dinks

It’s 2010 and we’ve officially left behind the “transition year” that was 2009. We’ve left behind the odd scraps of income, the piecing together of part-time jobs. We’ve settled into a small apartment, parked our Honda, and met our neighbors’ new dog. We live in Arlington, and we are DINKS—double-income, no kids (no dog, either). So here’s to a year of working hard, trying new recipes (tonight’s failed), hosting new friends, and enjoying the city. And each other.

let it snow ... and merry christmas

Sometimes the weather has a great sense of humor, and today the Iowa snow I knew I would miss at Christmas has followed me to Virginia. A blessed, quiet way to welcome the last week of Advent. And a great opportunity to wrap a few gifts and listen to NPR.

The curtains framing the tree represent no small decorating victory. They required five months, four brackets, three drilling sessions, two trips to the sewing store, and one hired handyman before they went up!

three months immense

Rilke reflects “the summer was immense” but this year brought a three-month fall. Three months of crisp-not-cold air, three months of tiredgreen-gold-orange-crackling leaves. The marigolds and pansies still haven’t given up. September football and the last of the goldenrod in Pennsylvania. November football and the last tailgate of the season. For Thanksgiving, it was still fall in Iowa, which is not always the case. This year I’m thankful for a fall so immense. So immense that, for the first time in many years, I’m ready for Christmas. Lord, it is time.

(The tree is at Mount Vernon, George Washington’s estate south of D.C. We visited it with good friends, on a warm Sunday in early November.)

best drawer ever

I definitely feel more inspired!