And after the storm, the sun comes pouring through the sky.

From the kitchen window it was a very welcome sight. All night I could hear the howling wind and the creaking branches of the poor frozen trees.
The drifts had piled up four feet tall against the back door - I had to go out the front entrance and slog my way through to shovel. I had already shoveled a little cul-de-sac there for the dog to use....the snow depth is over her head everywhere else! It is brisk and windy and very cold - 12 degrees - and I've never seen Emma do her business so quickly - in and out in about four seconds! But, this morning with the dawn, the sun has returned. Being "trapped" inside was a lovely respite from the hustle and bustle of this season. My friend R's party was canceled and moved to tonight so it was a time to snuggle in with a good book, finish the last of the wrapping and get a little more baking done. I put the finishing touches on a painting for my daughter-in-law A (I have serious reservations about whether she will like it or not!)
Today I'll work mostly from home, using the phone to reach my sources but it looks like a busy day is coming - there have already been two fire calls this morning.
I have a planning board meeting to cover after the party at R's tonight so I'll have to cut my time short there...