"The moon on the breast

of the new fallen snow, gave lustre of midday to objects below."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUzIF4eYRkg

                                                                                                                    Linda Frank Photography

Last night was just so.  As I turned out my light to curl up for the night, I saw the moon light on the freshly fallen snow, the shadows of the trees stretching across the pristine lawn.

Earlier last night Vern and I went visiting with our Christmas parcels and a bottle of wine.  First stop was at the farm, at Heather's house to see some young friends.  I chuckled as we drove in the driveway.   The three inches of snow we had was enough for Heather and Sarah Onelite to fire up their snowmobiles and drive around the fields and the driveway and the lawn.  I smiled with a feeling of nostalgia.  Lawns are supposed to look like that in the winter, all covered in snowmobile tracks. I didn't realize I missed that.  My own lawn now is a beautiful virgin white blanket since Vern's sled is also at the farm.  Stepping out of the truck and into the tracks in the snow, I thought "Ha Ha winter is here." 

Moon lit nights in the woods are magical. We didn't get out there often enough.  Generally a bright moon in the winter means it's verrrrry cold. The fields are brilliant and the woods, mysterious, magical, a bit ominous, at the same time serene.   But very very cold.  

My favourite story to read to the girls was "Owl Moon" Here's a link to hear the author reading http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KlllfX5PprU  We were never that quiet as we bumbled down the snowmobile trail out into the meadow, the dog gallumping ahead of us. We have owls here too and we often hear them calling at night "who cooks for you, who cooks for you"

Christmas this year is full of changes.  Jennifer is off at sea, working on a cruise ship.  She will have Christmas is some exotic port in the Caribbean, complete with all the Disney magic.  My mom is in the hospital and my dad is going for chemotherapy on Boxing Day.  This is the year to start new traditions.  Our Christmas breakfast will be at the farm, with Vern cooking the Cheese bread, instead of Grandpa.  Our big Morrison Christmas feast remains the same, Uncles, Aunts, cousins, Grandma Vena, turkey, presents, slightly inebriated sister in laws (me included) ... can't wait!

Merry Christmas from my house