How could you not love that face? Monty the cow has lived with us at least 10 years, maybe longer. We found him a little shop when we were living in our rental. The shop no longer exists, unfortunately. Monty is named for the town we lived in before moving to this cottage. His wide-eyed, slightly startled, but always gentle look is what sold us on him. A year or so after we acquired Monty, we rescued Riley, who had that same look in his eyes. Maybe Monty and Riley were really brothers, separated at birth? Clearly, I’m drawn to those big dark eyes. They say “Rescue Me.” And Don and I are most definitely rescuers.

Baby, it’s cold outside! We are in the middle of an Arctic blast that has caused the temperature to plunge. Despite the cold temps, we took our regular late afternoon walk yesterday. Don remarked that the walk wasn’t nearly as charming in the cold, cold weather. Ah well. We stuck to our guns and did it, that’s the important thing.

By the way, Don’s American Experience is supposed to air on January 7th on PBS. It always pays to check your local listings but that’s the official date. Mark your calendars.

I’ve also added a link on the navigation bar to my coaching website, in case you’re curious about that aspect of my life.

I’ve got a stack of books to get through. These are the books I have checked out from the library. I have another stack on the desk that I need to read for review purposes. And I’m nearing the end of How the Light Gets In. I find myself in that place that only occurs when reading a newly discovered and now favorite author. I can’t wait to see what happens, how the plot is resolved, but I know that the minute I close the cover, that will be it for my blissful Louise Penny reading experience until her new book comes out. And I really can’t prolong it because I have to read a book that is scheduled to be reviewed next Monday. Drat!

Okay. You’re probably sick of hearing about her. But truly, she is one of the best writers I have encountered. Ever.

Since I’m thinking books, books, books all the time lately, I find myself staring wistfully at the wall that is behind the sofa in the den. Remember I said that I’d love to have built-in bookcases on that wall? The minute I saw this house for the very first time, I imagined them there. It’s now eight years later and, still, no bookshelves. There’s always something else that needs whatever spare cash we have on hand.

We don’t know any handymen. Or a carpenter. My husband is many wonderful things, but handy he’s not. I don’t have a relative living nearby that can come over and help me.

There’s also the fact that there is baseboard heating all along that wall and that has to be taken into consideration.

Here’s what I envision: shelves all the way to the ceiling with some crown molding at the top. Beadboard behind the shelves. The long stretch of bookshelves would be divided into sections. One section would be from the wall on the left to just past the screen. The next section would stretch from just past the screen to the window. This section would require a special shelf placement because I want that painting on the wall to stay there. So the shelves would be built around it. The next section would span the window, with a shelf just above the window frame and one below it. The final section would stretch from the right side of the window to the wall.

Can you picture that?

Now, if only a carpenter would magically appear on our doorstep, we’d be in business.

Happy Wednesday.