Fri 11 Nov 2005
9:16 a.m.

One day earlier this week, the snow came down purposefully all morning and by mid-afternoon the trees, ground, and everything on it were thickly laden with vanilla icing. I went for a walk in the falling snow, and then again later after it had settled. We live in a winter postcard.

Scott, who had to work with cattle this week, thought it was horrible weather. So I did not say too loudly, or more than once, how lovely it was. I found it glorious and daydreamed about having cross-country skis, sliding over snow-covered fields. Of the two of us, I am the one with the easy life.

The boys have been gone with their dad since Wednesday night. They’re renting a cabin at our local lake until Sunday. So I have the top kitchen cupboards emptied, ready to sand and prime today, and perhaps paint. With luck I’ll get to the bottom ones too.

Scott’s made a start on the deck, and though it looks like winter out there, it is pleasant to work in — mild. I even made myself available to help for a while, though ended up back indoors to act on my other agenda: work that pays, and these cupboards.

The minute Everett got off the schoolbus he picked up the shovel and started clearing the sidewalk for Emil to get by with his walker. I thought that was conscientious for a boy just turned 13 to think of doing without being asked. It is more likely that he enjoyed playing with the snow and the shovel. But he does look out for Emil quite a bit, and more so as he gets older. It’s good to see. I think a lot about who Emil will have to rely on when his parents are gone, and it’s easy to believe that Everett will always be there for him.

On this Remembrance Day, I’ll leave you with a few pictures taken on my walking tour around the farm here in Canada, where we have the good fortune to live in peace and prosperity, unlike so many others in this world. Most of us have never been to war, or had to survive the brutality and terror of it; the experiences of so many of these people seem impossible to fully heal from. .

Around the yard:

~ didn't get bikes put away ~

~ his rodliness made me a star ~

By the garden:

Garden path: