IN THE CARETAKER’S CABIN at the Church O’ The Pines, it is first light. The parson is awakened by the chesty challenge of a great horned owl from the forest, echoing within the fine acoustics of cabin walls. This is soon followed by the sweet sound of two grandchild voices from downstairs. It is time to rise, make coffee—perhaps a French press special today—and fill the humidifier—a constant, wintertime effort to keep 3 mandolins, 3 guitars, a dobro, 2 violins, a grand piano, and 6 orchids hydrated.

On a weekend devoted to the care of said children, it will be a fine day. Last night found us sitting with bowls of popcorn, watching the Wizard of Oz together. Somehow their first viewing. The movie, it seems, suffers in comparison to the modern Harry Potter films and their incredible special effects, with comments heard about plastic flowers in Munchkinland and other shortcomings. But eventually the emotional heft and flying monkeys had their impact, and the whole experience played out much as it did for my brothers and me before a much smaller TV, decades ago.

Today will hold, perhaps, a walk on the frozen river or through the woods, another sled ride down an Everest-like local hill, a visit to the horse barn, or the making of chocolate chip cookies. And of course it will begin with the spreading of fare for our little woodland congregation in Fellowship Hall here in the Church. Time to get started. Good sabbath to you!