Yesterday, I did some of my regular house chores -- vacuuming, cleaning the frig -- and it felt good to quietly do the jobs with thoroughness. Cia has shown me something, over the last four years, about staying focused on a household task and competing it with care -- and I'm slowly learning the good lesson. I was a focused and thorough teacher and parent, but I wasn't good on mundane, humdrum chores, but I'm learning. I was fairly proud of the frig after my clean-up job.

In the afternoon we walked together along the Mystic River under a sun-filled sky. I continue to be amazed at the loveliness of this river as it spreads out in the valley and slowly streams out to sea. I could walk those banks every day of the year. 

Last night we saw another wonderful concert by the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra. We are fortunate to be season subscribers, and this season, so far, has been majestic. Last night, a young violinist performed Paganini's 1st violin concerto, which music experts say is by far the most challenging piece in the repertoire, and he did it with absolute assurance and charisma. He seemed to be loving what he was doing, and that love surely came across to us, sitting far off in the balcony and utterly filled with appreciation.

Cia has been busy with holiday baking. Yummy!

Cia's holiday cookies,
cooling and waiting for Hammy