Cia had a great day on Friday, hiking in the lovely forests of central Connecticut with three of her friends. It was a 'girls day out', so I stayed home by the fire with some good books. It was a quiet, peaceful New Years Day for me, and a strenuous, tiring, but happy one for her. 

Gradually, I've been feeling better and stronger after my surgery two weeks ago, and I've been getting outside for some much-needed exercise -- just some short walks around Riverbend, but it's a start. Cia has been good about gently encouraging me to keep up with steady exercise. 

In the evenings, we have continued our occasional custom of watching some old BBC shows on television as we eat supper. We sit in the warm, comfortable bedroom with out plates loaded with Cia's delicious meals, munching and watching "Rumpole of the Bailey" or some other British winner. It's been a fun way to start the close of a winter day. 

Of course, we have also spent many hours in front of the cozy fire in the hearth. For a while, we considered converting to a gas fireplace, but now I'm thinking we don't want to give up the beauty of a true wood-burning fire.  I love sitting next to my honey on the love-seat feeling the warmth of the friendly flames. 

Here are some of our recent fridge poems: