January From My Back Porch

More birds are showing up everyday, and squirrels, as word is out that food is available on the back porch!

This month, I’ve finally started sorting through boxes and boxes and boxes of old family photographs, letters and memorabilia. Some go as far back as the early 1800’s. I am fortunate my elders were good at keeping record of dates, people, events and places.

I’m learning more about who these family members were, where they lived and what they did. My grandfather, whom I never knew, for example, was a carpenter and landscaper. He built many houses in the town where my parents grew up including my Mom’s childhood home. I learned my great uncles served in World War II; one in the Navy, another in the Coast Guard. Both were prolific letter writers and I feel as if I can trace their path around the world. I learned my great grandmother was accidentally shot in the face when she was eleven years old. She obviously recovered because she went on to marry my great grandfather and have four children one of which was my grandfather, the carpenter I mentioned earlier.

My once clay covered workbench is where I will be for the time being. Looks as if I will be hunkering down inside for a little while longer. More snow expected next week. I’ll trek out this weekend for a few things one of which will be more bird seed.

Keep warm.

See you in February!

January was a long year, 
but I think we're going to make it!