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STILETTO – a high pointed HEEL on a woman’s shoe or a small dagger. WHEELS – a medieval instrument of torture or a vehicle for personal mobility. |
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A stopover as we drove in snow, following the contours of an icy lake, between Boston and Manhattan. We eventually crawled up the drive to the lodge we had booked. We got out in crisp snow, a couple of feet deep. A cleared path of stone slabs led up to our small cabin. Inside, there was a burning log fire, huge picture windows overlooking the lake, a four-poster bed and a massive jacuzzi in the bathroom. We dressed for dinner in the warm flickering lights of the fire and stepped back down the path through the light fluffy snow wrapped in warm scarves. In the dining room, the flames of red candles and firelights were magnified by floor to ceiling windows all round us; the lake outside was pitch black. We ate, as if in an iridescent glass bauble suspended in the cold crisp air; the snow flew and danced around us.... Chilled pink champagne and sublime lobster; golden bubbles and foie gras nibbles; raspberry champagne cocktails and dark dark chocolate... Laughter and laughing so hard until my sides hurt and tears run from my eyes with so many good friends, some still here, some not, at whatever life holds, good and bad... You know, I look at this and it is not so different from anyone else is it? Chronic illness or not, these are the sort of things that make up the fabric of our lives. This year, and every year, I wish for you the things you love, be they fabulous fripperies, great food and wine to share, majestical music, much laughter and memorable experiences with those you love or other. To those I love, feel the warmth of my affection brushing lightly around your shoulders like those delicate snowflakes whirling and dancing in the air; be enveloped, be safe and enjoy everything life may bring! |
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