Firewood, check. Water, check. Milk, check. Generator, check. Gas in car, gas for generator. Candles. Chicken for pot pie.

The storm advances, and all that’s left to do is put out a pot to catch snow for snow cream (snow plus sugar plus milk plus vanilla; stir).

Small flakes fall, but the big snow isn’t supposed to strike until tonight.

Waiting. Hunkered in a cozy house with a pile of books (The Snowman by Jo Nesbo on the top of the pile, The Unexpected Houseplant, the next one down.)

Plenty of books, and one of my own on its way this spring. The Orphanmaster comes out in softcover on April 30th.

What a cover. It sets even me atremble.