Evening

Evening is one of those words that is lost in 21st century vernacular.  Even 100 years ago, in the early 20th century, evening seemed to be the time when families moved to the parlor and took tea and smoked cigars to exchange news of the day.  These days, our kids are so scheduled with activities and homework and their own unique way of making sense of the 21st century (read--electronics), evening is not necessarily leisure time.  But sometimes it is.

This evening, as the warm day set into the cool night, I was reminded of how Southern California seasons change.  It's almost imperceptible.  Usually, around the middle of March, 70s are the norm and gone are those chilly mornings and nights.

Even though I am heralding the coming of spring (not nearly as much as those of my friends who've been shrouded in snow for MONTHS), I still want to savor a crisp, late winter evening.  I'm thinking a cup of tea and some warm candlelight are in my future.  Here's how we do it.

If you will excuse me, I'm going to retire to the parlor now and converse with my husband.  How deliciously novel.  Wishing you a very pleasant evening....