Moving my “office” to a window view has eased the strain on my eyes, allowing me to look out and away from my computer screen and into the world. Early morning means the lights are still shining on the tree, and I can just make out a rabbit curled up under the bird  feeders.

A dusting of snow only fuels hope for more, and the relentless winds are already picking up for the day. The lack of moisture we’ve had, combined with the winds and warm temperatures had us dragging our hoses back out to give our trees a much-needed drink. I keep thinking that there is no way we’ll go all winter without some good snow. Right? I’m longing for that day when I am perched here in my office with snow falling and falling and falling. Maybe, just maybe, I’ll catch a break to snowshoe out and about; for now my snowshoes sit abandoned under the bench in the garage.

My window seat reminds me this day of the peace and love of this season of Christmas. I think about Alfie, the Christmas tree who loved living in the woods and dreamed of the love of the Christ-child and blessing of life. “and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means, “God is with us.” Matthew 2: 23