12.22.2008

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.

coffee and knitting

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.

dvd watching with friends

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.

go fishing

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.

30 comments:

  1. this post makes me want to be at your house :)

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  2. What a delightful way to while away the winter.
    Makes me wish for a fireplace too...

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  3. That looks lovely and cozy. I dream of snowed in days like this, but since my son is only 3 and thus far the only child, there usually isn't much quietude, plus I'm the only playmate for him so I have a constant shadow all day. Of course, this has its fine points and cute moments too, but I look forward to the go-fishing and the game playing between the little ones themselves. soon, soon.
    Stay cozy!

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  4. This post made me feel warm and cosy and happy. Have a wonderful holiday season :)

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  5. What a lovely job you have. Come to think of it - mine is quite similar (except our pellet stove it broken so no fire).

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  6. Gosh that sounds like my mornings most days. Thankfully my husband keeps the wood box full of kindling.... all I might have to do is go to the deck for some wood.
    Enjoy your time with your family :)

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  7. I also keep the fires burning here, in 9 degree weather! I found my self out loading the log cart this morning barely able to breath it was so cold! But that fire is sooooo warm. My little ones are just that, little, so we have a bit more of a danger factor with our woodstove, but we love it so.

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  8. It's so nice hearing and seeing a little part of your home. I love that you keep that fire burning.

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  9. we've been snowed in for five days but I don't mind a bit. Even let husband take my van to work today so I'm home as well keeping the "fire" burning. enjoy!

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  10. There is nothing like a fire, especially around the holidays!

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  11. I loved the shot of the backs of their heads...a really warm post (pun sort of intended). I envy you your morning peace: in our house, once the floorboards creak, I have company. Enjoy the cozy days ahead. tt

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  12. Great post Molly! I will bring the port!

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  13. Merry, merry Christmas! Have a wonderful holiday!

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  14. So beautiful.
    Thanks so much, Molly.
    Stephanie

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  15. Looks like fun! Happy Holidays! :)

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  16. I feel the need to start a fire. :) Enjoy your time together! Merry Christmas.

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  17. If only I had a fireplace...I would sit right there. In fact at my hairdressers she has a fireplace (her studio is in the old maid's kitchen in her country home) so I sat there this morning in front of the fire drinking coffee and chatting with her.

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  18. Sometimes I'm tempted to bring my sewing machine right by the fire! Our wood stove is in the great room adjacent to our big ol' kitchen table. When winter hits we all just pull up a chair and everything happens right in front of the fire... crafting, homework, games, meals. We even run downstairs to get dressed by the fire. I loved this post. Your words are always so evocative and lovely. Happy Hearth Days to you and your family!
    xo,
    maya

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  19. sounds like a little bit of heaven!
    enjoy yourselves. xxx

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  20. enjoy all that good family time!

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  21. Ahh, Molly, life took me away from blogging for a bit and reading this post reminds me why I love your blog so much. I always feel warm and comforted by your posts.

    Have a WONDERFUL Christmas! Hugs!

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  22. Yes, now I see what you mean with that picture of your coffee cup and the knitting... sorry, I've been out of touch online! Love this post :) Can I come and sit, too?

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  23. can i join you? looks uber cozy. merry christmas molly xo kristin

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  24. I can feel the chilly toes now! I love mornings like that. And the smell. Sigh.

    Merry Christmas my friend. I hope your day is wonderful. I thought of you yesterday when a UPS plane went right over my head, so close I swear I could touch it!

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  25. Sounds AWESOME! Enjoy the time with the kiddies and the hearth. Happy Holidays!

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  26. Hi, I am new to blogger. I have a blog over on xanga (xanga.com/cuemommy) I wanted to say I enjoyed your blog a lot. I am trying to figure out how to subscribe to your blog but not having any luck looking for a "follow link" or anything. Can you help?

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  27. It's a little too hot for a fireplace in Florida right now, but I wish I had one just for the effect. :) Merry Christmas to you and the family Molly.

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  28. I think we have the same sofa! Crate and Barrel? Ours has seen better days, I have to admit! Your days sound lovely. I man the home fire all day, too. Thankfully, I'm not the one who has to get it cranking again in the mornings! But it is the place where I drink my morning cup of coffee. We all seem to spend all our time in the room with the fire. My husband likes to say that "central heating ruined family togetherness" or something like that. Because we all stay in the same room together around the warm wood stove.
    Hope you're still enjoying the holiday glow....
    xo.

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  29. Your home fires sound so c-o-z-y!

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  30. Right there with you Molly. Reading for hours (which I haven't done for months), playing card games with the kids, watching some new movies, challeging each other to Wii games. I'm sure it's more than just that fire that makes your home so cozy and enjoyable to be nestled into!

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