This past few weeks The Resident decided it was time rearrange the furniture so the couch was no longer blocking the fireplace, remove the candles and fish tank gear from the grate, and make good use of our hearth.
The kids were thrilled! I was nervous. I don't particularly like the smell of burning wood, especially after it has gone cold and the whole living room smells like day old camping laundry. When all was said and done, even with my very vocal doubting (no, I did not nag why would you ask?...), the presence of a crackling fire has been a nice addition to the Christmas season. Christmas music, the Christmas tree, a cheery (o.k. maybe a little on the roaring side) fire; all these happy things make this luxury apartment a happy place to be. I almost don't notice that the carpet in the hallway is starting to peel up because it has been flooded so many times in the past 4 and 1/2 years...almost.
Merry Christmas!
Monae
