We returned from Washington at nearly 2am on Saturday. Planes had been diverted and flights delayed... so getting to bed by 3:30 am felt welcome!
The house has passed its framing inspection and work proceeds... our fabulous builder Ralph will be working tomorrow on New Year's Day!
Here is a glimpse of the snow around the sunroom windows.
Nicholas
This beautiful picture was taken from just outside our sunroom, looking southwest. The drifting snow and setting sun seemed to almost dance with light and a glorious incandescence.
We were amazed that our builder had been working nearly unceasingly with different subcontractors and were delighted with all the work that had been done when we visited for the first time in a week...
This evening we have decided that we need to spend quiet time in reflection and meditation, allowing all the events of this extraordinary year in our lives to be held in reverence and quietude. Although friends here have invited us to other celebrations, they have been utterly supportive of our need to reflect and restore as we look toward the New Year.
In the same way the sunshine lights the white snow, remembrances of this year light my spirit. There has been much sadness and dark shadow, but equally...the hope and joy in all that is yet-to-be, all that is manifesting, these things brighten and illuminate and give sustenance.
As 2013 opens its unknown self to me, I open to its mystery and trust that the light contained within the unfolding of each day will yield this kind of beauty , this kind of singular delight.
Happy New Year to all of you, who have journeyed with us each step of our way...
Judy
So here we are on Christmas Eve, and at last the roof shingles are in place. Now the house can be sealed and work begin in earnest inside.
Here at the cottage, the snow is thick: at least 8 inches on the deck; but the roads are clear.
This bridge takes the walker out into the 62 acres of the land behind the cottage...
Nicholas
The refrain of "I'll be home for Christmas..." comes to mind when I look at the photograph of these lovely little birdhouses, which adorn the gate to the vegetable garden, now nestled, as are these, under nearly a foot of snow.
I am particularly drawn to the two on the right, the light was shining at an angle which almost made them appear to be illuminated from within.
And, so too, are each of us...
May this holiday season be filled with unexpected moments of delight, renewal of spirit, and hope for the unfolding of each of our lives, individually, and, as part of the global family to which we are all born.
Judy
Its a white Christmas here at our rental cottage and the birds are a delight... hopping about amongst the snow laden branches of the wisteria. Yesterday I watched the squirrel poking around for nuts in the wind driven snow, every so often blinking against the snowflakes as they were blown into its eyes.
But its the Cardinal that captivates against the white...
Nicholas
And here are six beautiful sparrows, the Northeastern America birding book describes the males as appearing as though "dipped in raspberry juice"...and yes, they do look as they have been.
I think this would make a wonderful panoramic print. It delights me to see not only this photograph, but all the images being captured by Nicholas in this season of our lives.
Again, as I have mentioned so many times since beginning this blog, I am amazed at all that presents itself to me when I create time for absolute presence. The beauty and privilege of witnessing the gentle creatures outside our window, seeking sustenance is humbling and reminds me of how gently we need to walk ourselves through our lives, careful in every moment to give what we are able to, and to recognize the blessing in doing so.
Judy
Well, we've been waiting a week for the final shingles to be installed, but as of today the roofer has not completed the last piece of work, which is a slight blow, because it delays the next mortgage drawdown until after the holidays.
And sudden snow in Dryden today added to the delay... no matter. Our builder Ralph is confident all will take shape in due course. Electrical outlets are being placed and we have a shower base and a tub!
Here at the cottage, the pond is thickly frozen and the pine trees are beautiful.
Nicholas
Today is the Winter Equinox...
Outside our cottage is this little lighthouse, illuminated by a golden light, which comes on automatically when night begins to fall.
It reminds me that a light within the darkness is profoundly beautiful.
It reminds me that we are, each of us, vibrating atoms of light...even when we are asked to bear witness to pain and grief unspeakable, we each have a choice to reflect the light of kindness, and compassion, and to hold gently a belief in a world where, rather than fear and ignorance, light and love guide our each and every step.
May we each grow in wisdom and the capacity to respect and recognize one another as we truly are...and in so doing may we find peace.
Judy
Yesterday the roofers started placing the shingles... there are no gutters yet.
This view shows the West view of the house... a wall of windows in the basement where I propose to exhibit paintings.
The siding should be installed early next year so the next few months will be all about the interior.
We've ordered the kitchen appliances though... with 25% discount at Sears!
Nicholas
So much is coming into completion on the house this week...when we arrived at the house mid-afternoon yesterday, to find not a single workman on site, we thought the roof would not be completed things until late next week (as deteriorating weather is forecast)...but then, at about 3:30, while we were inside, measuring a few things, the crew arrived and began to prep the roof for the shingling...which will be finished by Sunday morning!
We have keys to our doors, our windows are in, our home is feeling more and more a reality and a daily reminder that change is constant, inevitable, and...in this moment...joyous.
Judy
Our windows are installed and we have a front door with a key! Suddenly the bare structure feels like a home and the cathedral like timbers make even more sense.
These energy efficient double hung windows are filled with argon to reduce heat loss and can be easily cleaned from the inside!
This view is the corner of the living room and to the left will be the fireplace...
Nicholas
And this is the view from just outside my healing room, the kitchen/dining room/sunroom on the left...living room directly ahead...guest room and bath on the right.
Yesterday, as we stood in the middle of the house, discussing the built-in shelving for the stereo and books in the living room, the built-in units for the office/library and the cabinets for Nicholas' studio, it all seemed so very real.
Last night, thanks to my Mom, we witnessed part of an incredible display of meteorites. We opened up the sun loungers, bundled up in fleecy blankets and gazed into the starry sky....it was almost difficult to make our wishes upon them, as they left their blazing trails..as so many of ours are already coming true....
Judy
We had rain all day Monday and so progress was slowed a little, but the roof is now ready to be shingled. Ralph tells me that the roofer will arrive today, as will the doors and windows. This shows the beginning of the porch.
Inside, the forest of timbers is slowly drying out...
Nicholas
Here is a photograph of Nicholas' footprints...on the snow-covered deck...he went outside to turn off our Christmas lights last evening BAREFOOT!
I now know that the indoor switches to control the outdoor lighting in the new house are imperative, given his inclination to bucking my insistence that he bundle up, wear his winter coat and boots, etc...sigh...
He is wonderful and has been visiting the house without me this week, as I have begun teaching at the massage school during the week. As I only have 1/2 days on Thursday and Friday...I will be able to see the progress with the shingles, the doors and the windows...what a Christmas gift!
Judy
