Quel relief

From: Caroline
Sent: Tuesday, November 19, 2002 7:31 AM
Subject: Quel relief

The tree tops are still, there's no roaring around the house and the wind is gone. Friday it was straight out of the south making the horses cranky and unwilling to face into it, Saturday it was wildly from the east with slashing rain which found here-to-fore unknown crannies to enter the house, and all day Monday, even past sunset it was really blowing hard from the west. Of course there are no leaves left on the trees and now the green from my evergreen shrubs is much appreciated - box, mahonia, leucothewe, pieris, hollies.The blazing red berries of the formerly named black alder are beacons in the hedgerows but I know that what I am looking at will be the same right thru April - a depressing thought. However, I do have my new greenhouse to retreat to and it really was a good idea. There are several plants blooming, started from baby four inch pots last June and I can pick lettuce and cress for my salad. I have finally achieved a balance with the heater and the automatic vents, the humidity seems to be just right and the orchids are thriving. One even has two flower spikes. As I have had this one for almost a year it shows that I'm doing something right.

Next week at just about this time I will be going to the train for Philly where I will be met by some member of my family by the war memorial angel in the 30th Street Station. As I was the sculptor's first commission I feel a very strong connection to it. The next six days will be filled with family and feasting - my favorite time of the whole year as I get to see children and grandchildren, for some the only time. Meanwhile my darling Zoë will be in Middleboro where good friends Tizzie and Karen have welcomed her into their pack.

I hope your Thanksgiving will be as joyous - love to all Caroline