The kids are home. We picked them up in North Battleford yesterday.

It’s 30 below. I have made a resolution not to smoke in the house, so already I have cut down on my consumption of the herb mullein. I guess! If it means I have to stand outside in 30-below rather than sitting here at my computer in comfort and warmth — what would you expect? It won’t be easy though — sitting here reading and writing while having a nice relaxing smoke is one of my pleasures and habits.

Sweetiepie wants to take a drive over to Jack and Dawna’s for a short visit. My boys are glad to be home and don’t want to go anywhere. Neither do I, actually, so I’m torn. Make him happy by going with him? Or stay home with my children, where I really want to be? Make a small sacrifice in the interests of conjugal harmony, or serve my own preferences?

I made pancakes this morning, and some 'creme a sucre' to go with it. And a second batch (of the syrup, which is like liquid brown-sugar fudge) for Jack and Dawna. But the rest of the day has been spent cleaning the kitchen and catching up on email.

Yes, Dave has a girlfriend! It is official. And that is a Very Good Thing. The boys seem to like her, though she’s allergic to cats so they had to keep the kitten behind a closed door upstairs when she was over.

Well, I”ve rolled up a mullein and am going to go get some sparkly sunshine and fresh air while I smoke the thing. Sweetiepie is out freezing his face, doing something with the cattle.

This barn is near North Battleford. Nice barn, I thought: