Like the wasps, before I finally went into winter quarters in November, I used to resort to the northeast side of Walden, which the sun, reflected from the pitch pine woods and the stony shore, made the fireside of the pond; it is so much pleasanter and wholesomer to be warmed by the sun while you can be, than by an artificial fire.
I weathered some merry snow-storms, and spent some cheerful winter evenings by my fireside, while the snow whirled wildly without, and even the hooting of the owl was hushed.
We also have a loose assortment of household pets round the fireside at night... bliss!
Thrice hallowed shrine Of the heart's intercourse, our own fireside!
A Butterfly Notebook by Douglas Hammersley, published by the Book Guild 2003 This is a winter fireside book.