It’s 10°F this morning, and there’s ice on the inside of the windows. First thing I did? Go out and check on the chickens. Who were out in their yard apparently as happy as ever. I took them a big pot of hot water since their regular water dispenser was frozen solid. And I threw them a week-old head of lettuce, which elicited its usual warbles of thanks.

Now back inside, I turn to my writing desk, and for inspiration pull out one of my favorite short stories: “A Jonquil for Mary Penn” by Wendell Berry. Turns out it’s the perfect tale for a day like today, when it’s bitterly cold and so many people are dealing with colds and flu. I heartily recommend it, and will get you started with the first paragraph. The rest can be found in Berry’s short story collection Fidelity.

From “A Jonquil for Mary Penn,” by Wendell Berry:

Mary Penn was sick, though she said nothing about it when she heard Elton get up and light the lamp and renew the fires. He dressed and went out with the lantern to milk and feed and harness the team. It was early March, and she could hear the wind blowing, rattling things. She threw the covers off and sat up on the side of the bed, feeling as she did how easy it would be to let her head lean down again onto her knees. But she got up, put on her dress and sweater, and went to the kitchen.