“Stay yet, my friends, a moment stay,
Stay till the good old year,
So long companion of our way,
Shakes hands, and leaves us here.”

 William Cullen Bryant (1859)

 The new year arrived in mild fashion.  Rain during the night had, by morning, transitioned to a gentle fog that cloaked the fields in silence and yielded an abundance of color at a time of year that is usually bleak and dull.  Deep parchment was the tall field grass, the dogwood branches flamed bright red, and the arching canes of wild roses gleamed dark brown.  And the white pines!  Ah, the white pines wove their slender green needles together like fingers clasped in prayer.  Showers of blessings, to be sure.  What a lovely way to begin this new year!

 “Make yourselves nests of pleasant thoughts…  Bright fancies, satisfied  memories, noble histories, faithful sayings, treasure-houses of precious and restful thoughts, which care cannot disturb, nor pain make gloomy, nor poverty take away from us, ~ houses built without hands, for our souls to live in.”

 John Ruskin (1819 – 1900)

 Until next month, my friends,  I would like to wish each and every one of you many blessings, good health, prosperity, and a deep and happy heart!  I sincerely appreciate your patronage and your friendship and eagerly look forward to the coming year.