A winter luxury

Dear Sonja,

  I love to hear about the small luxuries people allow themselves--especially from people who live a simple lifestyle and their idea of luxury has nothing to do with a trip to Saks Fifth Avenue.  This is a good one:  My friend and her husband put a hot tub in their small, one-car garage so they can enjoy a hot soak in all kinds of wild weather.  When it snows they open the garage door so can lean back and take it all in--hot water and snow, who cares what the neighbors think.  Perfect!  I just checked with her, and if we get the predicted snow this weekend they'll be opening that big door.  What are you going to do for yourself this winter?

All my best,
Kate

Nearly perfect

Cascade Locks

Dear Carol,

 This has been a very nearly perfect day, I wish you could be here.  I know that your eyes, your skin, and your very breath are hungry for water, and green, and gentle temperatures.  There is a warmish east wind blowing, but we are in the shelter of the building sharing some lunch outside.  You would be happy with the prices--you know I'm laughing. Lunch to share comes at a very reasonable cost and allows us to sit in this beautiful place for as long as we like as there are few other customers.  It is soothing to the soul.

All my best,

Kate