Back-scratching

Almost a year ago, we gave away the old black car that I'd been using for a garden shed! The chap to whom we gave it was so thrilled: he put some new shoes on the brakes, fixed her up with a new muffler system, and behold! She's as good as new. Today, he turned up with a few friends and a couple of loads of dry wood, and they're out there now, having the time of their lives, joking around and stacking the wood. I've made a feast for them to enjoy once the wood's all stacked: a couple of spinach quiches and bratwurst, apple and blackberry pies, fresh home-roasted coffee and thick cream. We shall enjoy a roaring blaze tonight in the fireplace that has remained empty and cold for weeks. We were saving the last few logs for a very, very cold night or if one of us became ill...I can't remember when we've ever felt so healthy! And so we're looking forward to a cozy evening, while the snow continues to fall, snow on snow, and our hearts will sing with thanksgiving for the friends we have who reflect the ebb and flow of life, dealing with the circumstances of lack and abundance, sickness and health, joy and sorrow, the yea and nay of it all, the fragile balance of friendship. We are truly blessed!