Keep The Home Fires Burning

Winter has brought a slight change in my morning routine. First I put a kettle of water on to boil, then I go check on the fire. If I'm lucky there are enough embers to rekindle the fire with a few sticks of wood. If not, I brave the cold garage to split some kindling. By the time the fire gets going, the kettle is boiling and it's time to grind the coffee beans and fill the French press. Then four minutes later I head back to the fire with a cup of coffee. I sit and sip. Not a bad way to start the day at all.



When George left for work the other morning, I said goodbye from my post in front of the fire, and he said, "Keep the home fires burning." So I do. Every day, all day long. Put another log on the fire. Grab another cup of coffee. Sit and sip. I like this part of my job description.

The kids and I don't really move far from the fire.



There's DVD watching and email checking.
Go fishing and skateboarding.
Lego building and paper folding.
Sewing and knitting.
Dough rising and bread eating.
Reading and listening.
Friends coming and going.
Napping and dreaming.



I anticipate more of the same in the days to come. I'll keep the home fire burning while the kids and I spend our days near the hearth, waiting for daddy to come home. In just a few days I'll pass the torch and George will keep the fire burning while the four of us unwrap the gift of four days together. No work, no school, just another pot of coffee and some new books, movies and toys to explore right here in front of the fire.

May your home fires keep you and yours warm, cozy and in close proximity to one another in the cold days to come.