"Winter evenings were special treats. With an apple log sizzling happily in the fire place, there were domino and checker games, chess and games on paper. There were tongue twisters, puzzles and brain teasers, as well as Indian wrestling on the floor with Henry ending up taking on all the kids at once in a free-for-all that left Esther wondering if the china cabinet would survive the crash, as Henry at last toppled to the floor like a giant with little people swarming over him like flies."

"When bedtime came, there was often the gathering at the kitchen table for a cold cup of milk; and then around the lighted lamp, a few verses from the Book of Books, more questions and a bedtime prayer. After lingering kisses that reflected a pleasant evening ended too soon, the children followed Esther with her lamp up the open stairs to their beds to settle deep in the straw and feather ticks."