Silence

/ J. F. Riordan

It is quiet in the house. Auggie snoozes on the couch nearby. Eli has discovered the new bed in his favorite corner of the living room. The fireplace has one log burning, and above it I have lit my favorite scented candle. Outside, the sky has the specifically blue clouds that foretell snow. A hawk is flying low, on the hunt, and now, a very faint, fine snow has begun to fall.

Yesterday, I took a long nap, and didn’t feel any urgent need to get up to do anything. We went shopping, bought a television that actually works to fit in the bookcase, and braved the frantic grocery store to buy smoked salmon and shrimp for our New Year’s Eve. The dogs came with us in the car, and enjoyed the scents from open windows.

Today I will make soup, take another nap, and reclaim my office in preparation for my work. Later, we will talk of the future, and drink champagne.

This will be a busy year of work.

I feel ready.

This is an illustrative, rather than gratuitous, dog photo.

20 thoughts on “Silence”

  7. Sounds lovely! I hope you get your snow. NJ just doesn’t have much snow anymore. Duck breast, salad, Prosecco and homemade tiramisu for tonight as my husband and I celebrate the New Year at Greenwich Mean time so we can be in bed by 10pm. Have a Happy New Year!

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  9. Happy New a year to you and Charlie! You are describing a perfect day. I hope you enjoy a quiet weekend. Who is the artist of that beautiful work of art? They have an amazing talent.

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  10. Happy New Year to you and yours.  We are looking forward to reading the next book. Prayers for a more serene and less stressful year. Optimism mid my resolution. Sigh. 

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  12. Dear Auggie, Eli, Mom and Dad, With every best wish for 2024. Thank you for your hopeful, vibrant and practical essays. Thank you for the beautiful photos. Kick back and relax to start the New Year.

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  14. I love this photo of Auggie. He looks so handsome and not a care in the world. I’m glad you’re having some down time to relax and catch your breath. And, I’m especially grateful for all your essays and gratuitous dog photos. A toast to you and Charlie to bring in the New Year.🥂

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  15. 🥳 Happy New Year. 2024 will have its unique challenges which I hope we all deal with successfully. Cassie (my dog) and Makea (my cat) wish you all (2-legged & 4) a joyful and safe year filled with happiness and joy, and especially love ❤️. 

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    Patricia Briggs 🐈‍⬛🦮

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  17. Soup, a warm fire, content dog, and champagne! Seems like a fantastic day. I look forward to your writing and dog pics, and Charlie’s wise commentary. Here’s to a wonderful new year!🥂

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  18. I retired before my husband did. I treasured the early morning walks with our dog Max, and the ability to read anything I want, and the ability to go down the YouTube rabbit hole to explore whatever interest I want to follow that day.

    He always has noise in the house, music, news, etc. I crave quiet.

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