With the river being fully frozen we are now blessed enough to venture across. I must admit I do love taking trips away from the village. The unmapped landscape is my real home. A house may be a warm place to sleep, but trees are pleasant company when one is awake. The willows, alder, and cottonwood do seem to hug me as I enter their midst. Their branches extend like arms and wrap me in sweet greetings. I hug them back of course. I am one of those odd tree hugging dirt worshipper types. But my heart flutters with glee when I'm around plants. They have a way of whispering happy secrets into your ear when you take the time to listen. And such interesting tales can truly make one's life a lot more simple and much more happy.
