In which we are introduced to…
The Hen & Pheasant Tavern~ Fine Food & Spirits ~ Proprietor, Mrs. Racheal Caldwell
~ Mrs. Caldwell stood in the quiet street as dusk was approaching giving the exterior of The Hen & Pheasant one last inspection. The place looked grand! The festive season of Christmas had arrived and the stately olde place, with its warm wooden exterior, mellowed grey with age and the lashings of the winter winds, large front windows, and grand double doors never looked better. The Boxwood along the stone walkway was trimmed, candlelight glowed from each window and the front door, with its beautiful pediment scroll, was festooned with a large evergreen wreath and festive red bow. On each corner of the wide stone stoop stood two large urns filled with greens, berries, and fruit. The outdoor lanterns were lit, and the smell of snow was in the air. Inside four large turkeys, two hams and a shank of beef were roasting to accompany, potatoes, gravy, and roasted vegetables. Rolls and breads would be cooling on the counter and mutton stew would be bubbling in the large pot over the fire. Cider and mulled wine would be simmering, and beer would be ready for serving. In the main dining room, near the large Christmas tree, musicians were tuning their instruments as the staff laid the tables and lit the candles. Racheal made her way up the walkway and through the front door, just as snow began to fall. “Snow, for the first Yuletide gathering of the season,” she thought, “how magical.” by doreen frost
**This story appeared in the December 2023 issue of The Little Brown House Gazette** A newspaper publication that I write/create/print/etc and mail to over 200 homes throughout the country.**
We wake, here in Vermont to sunshine and C O L D. The kind of cold that sneaks into your home and swirls about on the old wood floors nipping at your ankles and causing you to wear woolen socks and even a woolen cap whilst inside. The fire is roaring though it is not doing much to heat the north end of the house just yet. Our little woodstove (which is rather small when one considers it heats our entire home), is in the center of our house, and on days when the temperature reaches the single digits or below, she has her job cut out for her, to be sure.
~Glad Tidings my lovely friends. I hope this 20th day of December finds you in goode health and grand spirits. I am sitting by the woodfire, sipping cocoa as I write today’s musing. The sun is shining in through the windows brightly though it is not giving the slightest bit of warmth and is succeeding in only making me realize the windows are in desperate need of washing!! The kitchen is calling ot me today!! This morning I will bake the gingerbread bundt cake I was hoping to bake yesterday but did not find the time. I am also going to make a batch of sourdough discard popovers. A new recipe for me, if I love them, I shall include the recipe in the February issue of the Little Brown House Gazette.
I am off to tend the fire once again ~ Enjoy the day friends. much love to, Doreen
**~~PS….A huge thank you to those of you who took the time to leave a comment, text, and email me yesterday!! ~ you made my YEAR and helped me put things into perspective. I love each of you.~~**
Now that I’ve read the daily musing, I’m off to clean a little before I start baking! Enjoy the sunshine and these last days of preparation for the most wonderful time of year ❤️
Brrrrrrr, ...that is cold Doreen! The extreme cold hasn’t reached us yet. I am anxiously await some snow. I had a family of deer in my front yard yesterday and today I have just had a visit from three darling little bluebirds. Oh they are so sweet! Love your Mrs. Caldwell story 😉. Enjoy your day my friend ❤️🎄❄️