Browsing the Bookshelves

We had our first real fire of the winter today - fed by logs from the apple tree which we cut down earlier in the year, giving the whole house a beautiful aromatic smell. I think apple logs are my favourite.  And having the fire crackling away in the grate made an afternoon of study a pleasure rather than a chore.  I even stole a few minutes to read a novel - in the middle of the afternoon!

Venturing out to fill up the log basket every couple of hours wasn't quite so much: London has been bitterly cold all week. But there is something quite comforting about donning a thick coat, scarf and gloves just to go into to garden and something very serene about peeling off the layers and toasting into front of fire when you get back in.  All in all, a peaceful and productive day.