A Mini Vacation

 Yesterday's sun rose brightly in an azure sky,

promising a mild, sunny day....

Surprisingly, it wasn't long before clouds blanketed the sun, keeping its warming rays from touching the earth.  And so, Winter's chill hung in the air.  It's this time of year - this short month of February, that leaves me longing for sunshine and warm breezes.  And although we've had a somewhat mild winter, it's this particular day that finds me in need of warmth.  And not just the warmth of the house.  No, on this day, I need something to warm me to my core.

Chester: "What a yummy looking snack you have there!"

And so, I load the gator full of cleaning supplies, some water, and a backpack filled with books I am reading and some drawing supplies.  I stop along the way for some kindling and extra fire wood.  My ultimate destination... 

Maven Haven, my "she-shed". 

On my arrival, it just as cold inside as outside (maybe even colder), so I start a roaring fire in the stove.

Within minutes, it is warm enough for me to hang my coat on a hook,

light a lamp, 

and sit down to read.

Hubbs has joined me for a few minutes before leaving for an appointment.  The tea kettle steams...

and I make a cup of herbal tea... the bright aroma set free on the waves of steam rising from the cup.

The dogs nestle in on the thick, wool rug to take a nap. The rug is homemade - crocheted years ago with core-spun, undyed wool from our own sheep.

The rug would be big enough for all three dogs if only Forrest were interested in cozying up for a nap.  Alas, he is mostly interested in annoying the other two.

"Who, me?"

Annie and Chester are not sad when Forrest soon asks to return to the outdoors.  With his thick winter coat, he is no fan of fireplaces or wood stoves, but prefers to lounge out on the cold ground.  If he were any warmer, he'd be jumping in the pond to cool off!

  Truth be told, the wood stove provides more than enough heat for this little space.  In order to make it toasty indoors without it turning into an inferno, I keep the front door open a few inches.

We enjoy a cozy visit, then Jack heads out for his appointment, while I do a little deep cleaning. 

"candid cleaning with a funky left hand! 🤣"

 Rug shaken outside, brick floor vacuumed, wood furniture and windowsills cleaned and polished.  This is the perfect sized house for me.  Fully cleaned in under 10 minutes!  You may not know this about me, but I would be perfectly content in a tiny house.  I love small spaces!  Perhaps that's why I love spending time inside this tiny shed.

It's cozy and uncomplicated.  

All I need is a bed and an outhouse and it would be my perfect living quarters.  I would love the challenge of doing my cooking and baking on my little wood stove. 

There is a small metal oven that can sit on top of the stove for baking (something I have not yet tried). Perhaps one of these days I will try baking bread here in this little oven.

Not today, though.  Today we simply absorb the warmth - a mini vacation from the cold, gray, days. Sometimes that's all one needs to get back out there and enjoy the last 6 weeks of winter.  And sometimes, the best mini vacation is just a mental one - it's certainly easier than packing and traveling!