We also have a loose assortment of household pets round the fireside at night... bliss!
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.
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.
