It’s melting. At 7:38 a.m., the kids begged to build a snowman.
7:39 a.m. — commence dressing children in snow suits, socks, boots, mittens, hats and scarves
8:01 a.m. — send them forth, into the winter morning
8:02 a.m. — pour myself a cup of coffee, select a cookbook and sit at the table
8:03 a.m. — answer the knock at the door; agree to give them a carrot
8:04 a.m. — sit down and open the cookbook
8:05 a.m. — answer knock at the door; agree to give youngest child his own carrot
8:06 a.m. — sit down and open the cookbook
8:07 a.m. — sip coffee
8:08 a.m. — answer the knock at the door; agree to another carrot … the first one was eaten
8:15 a.m. — snap photos of snow people and crazy trampoline kids in mid-January
8:20 a.m. — remove boots, head back to the table, cookbook and coffee cup
8:21 a.m. — answer knock at the door; yes, you may come in now
8:45 a.m. — undress children, supervise storage of soggy mittens, hats, gloves and boots
8:50 a.m. — take a half-hearted sip of lukewarm coffee
8:51 a.m. — bid good morning to Mr. & Mrs. Cardinal
8:55 a.m. — gulp the remains of lukewarm coffee
8:57 a.m. — snap one final photo
8:58 a.m. — advise Mr. & Mrs. Cardinal to enjoy these leisurely, romantic breakfasts for two. Explain that relaxing little trysts like these will end as soon as the children arrive. Suggest buckets of caffeine, vast reserves of patience and love, and an expansive sense of humor.
9:00 a.m. — on to the next adventure.
