I live and write on Lingít Aaní, and gratefully acknowledge the past, present and future caretakers of this beautiful place, the Jilkaat Kwaan and Jilkoot Kwaan.

I love the snow. I love a houseful for dinner at Christmas and really I love when the house is all quiet in the morning and it’s just me, and the tree lights, and a cup of coffee with cream. Today I had two. I may need three.

There is a winter storm warning all day and through tomorrow, and the snow is coming down hard. We are right on the edge of snow and rain. It was 33 degrees when Beth and I walked, doing loops in the woods as the wind shifted south to north and back again.

The little kids went sledding, and so now all the coats, boots, hats and mittens are drying, and we are all cozy– and busy– and a little tired. “The Polar Express” is on downstairs while I wrap a few things upstairs. More cookies are  cooling on the counter, four out of six coffee cakes are baked ( I gave Beth hers to be sure she has one for her family, in case we break into them sooner)–and it  sounds like Henry just missed the potty.

There  is a photo upstairs I see everyday of JJ when she was his age.  She is peeking over the edge of  a baby backpack Chip is wearing. That these days won’t last forever is what makes them sweeter– ( as a famous poet once said.)