It's been a while since a note from the Dakotas appeared here, a time of great loss, great gain, change as constant and constant change. 2015 is closing out on a hopeful, wistful note. Snow on the ground, snow in the air, peace on the never-peaceful landscape.
I plan to greet 2016 by getting a 1930s reminder running. This is a Singer 15-88 from a local thrift store, needing only a belt to get the treadle action going. This makes 5 vintage machines at the homestead, 4 operational and one problematic. This one is as heavy as iron but runs beautifully.
On Thursday I start the New Year's food: black-eyed peas, cornbread, greens. There are laws, after all. Then I retreat to the women's quarters to make this little machine sing again. So far, she has not told me her name. I will be listening for it.
Best and brightest 2016 to all.
