As you read this, I’m southeast of the Berkshires this week with my family for the holidays — we’re taking my parents’ dog for a walk to the pond to look for the beaver lodges, or we’re sitting by the fireplace and my nieces and nephews are watching us make a wood fire.
We even have chestnuts to roast, thanks to Big River Chestnuts just over the ridge. They can slow-roast in the oven gently for awhile and come out hot and sweet. It’s a good week for sharing some quiet, warm pleasures and memories.
One of the comforts of the holidays for me is that they give a chance to share some local flavors that I might not try only for myself. So I’ll take the time to set out on a quest for chestnuts, or za’atar basil and dried mushrooms, or Cricket Creek Farm cheeses … and make marmalade from the Valencia Oranges I found at Guido’s.
It’s a week for new pathways, kitchen experiments and trying things I’ve been wanting to do for years. We have a kind of in-between time this week, and no matter your plans, for travel or friends, parties or music, or a quiet walk in Mountain Meadow — I hope this week brings you the chance to see and feel these familiar hills around you.
Winter days
Before the first snow melted, Mountain Meadow gleamed for a moment in the sun.
Mountain Meadow gleams in the sun after an early snowfall.
Mountain Meadow gleams in the sun after an early snowfall.
Mountain Meadow gleams in the sun after an early snowfall.
Events coming up …
Find more art and performance, outdoors and food in the BTW events calendar.
