My jig-sawed gift

January 5, 2020December 1, 2019 ~ Jnana Hodson ~ Leave a comment

Recognizing my fondness of lighthouses, one of my Christmas presents was a jigsaw puzzle. Here I am, tackling all 1,000 pieces. It’s not something I’d usually do, especially considering my obsessive side. (Photo by Rachel Williams)

Old-fashioned hot spot

January 4, 2020December 1, 2019 ~ Jnana Hodson ~ Leave a comment

The metal grating in the floor of our second-floor bedroom at an Airbnb makes for a fascinating image, but it has a far more practical side. Back when heat came from a central wood- or coal-burning stove, getting the rest of the house warm was a problem. Hence, the hole in the floor.

My buddy Mike can do the honors

December 29, 2019October 16, 2019 ~ Jnana Hodson ~ Leave a comment

He’s not just a fine tenor and a comic actor in Boston Revels productions, he’s also addicted to morris dancing. Here he is in costume at last year’s autumn equinox RiverSing in the Herter Park amphitheater along the Charles River in Allston. I’ll let him bid farewell to 2019 and welcome the new year with a tip of his pith helmet.

Fresh focaccia

December 28, 2019October 16, 2019 ~ Jnana Hodson ~ Leave a comment

It’s a simple but very delicious flatbread that goes well with company. This one features cherry tomatoes and sage leaves from our garden in season.

The barn below

December 21, 2019December 9, 2019 ~ Jnana Hodson ~ Leave a comment

Yes, I really do have a red barn. Here’s how it’s looking from my studio window as snow falls.

From my sanctum

December 18, 2019December 3, 2019 ~ Jnana Hodson ~ Leave a comment

A little snow dramatically changes the view from my third-floor studio window.

Down the street

December 16, 2019December 3, 2019 ~ Jnana Hodson ~ 1 Comment

The calendar may say we’re still officially days away from winter, but that’s not how it’s been looking around here.

On our Christmas dinner menu

December 15, 2019August 6, 2019 ~ Jnana Hodson ~ Leave a comment

Brussels sprouts get sweeter after weather turns frosty. They’re one of the goodies we harvest after many other plants have been killed off in our garden. Yes, we’re definitely entering winter.

On our front door

December 13, 2019December 3, 2019 ~ Jnana Hodson ~ 1 Comment

A simple wreath festoons our front door as the season of Advent advances.

Northern cotton balls

December 11, 2019December 9, 2019 ~ Jnana Hodson ~ Leave a comment

Under the right conditions, snow catches in the remaining weeds and plants around our house and garden. It also piles up on the tree branches. And then the wind comes along.