Now is the winter of our discontent made glorious summer by this son of Barron

Got a call from the lovely lady Y at the new nursery inviting us to the annual Lantern Festival that the Steinerites put together in Winter. Along we went. It was truly magical and I have to share it with you.

A very cold night but crystal clear with the thinest sliver of a moon and many stars visible. We pulled up in the truck and the front garden of the daycare and the drive next door which leads to Y's house at the back were sprinkled with lanterns made of paper with candles inside. G carried Izzie and I led Bax into the garden where we were given a lantern for Bax to hold on a long dowel. Throughout the garden were little tableux from fariy stories: Billy gostas gruff in one; a prince and princess in another; a whole tiny farm. Bax was most impressed by the child sized cottage in the corner, he took his lantern in and wouldn't come out again for a long time, watching the other children through the little windows. As more and more people gathered and children took up their lanterns a natural procession began and we all walked solemnly through the garden, out the gate, down the drive and around Y's beautiful house all lit by candle light only. Leading us was a band of young musicians on violin and flute - there were two harps.

After the walk we stood together in the garden and ate homemade ginger and oat biscuits handed around by the older children.

We snuck off early. Izzie had fallen asleep in G's arms and Bax' eyes were drooping.

I didn't take any pics - difficult in the dark and not something I feel comfortable doing in such serene and magical little-person circumstances. I drew this picture when I got home, done late at night but while it was still fresh in my head.