The wind is growling past my house, swirling the snow sideways. The thermometer reads in the 20s.
(That’s the view out my upstairs window just now. Rochester D&C photographers have a gallery of weather photos at http://www.democratandchronicle.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Site=A2&Date=20120113&Category=MULTIMEDIA03&ArtNo=201130802&Ref=PH)
I am grateful to be able to work from home today, safe from the slippery roads and inevitable car accidents. How lucky I am to be sipping a cup of chrysanthemum-silver needle white tea, a hand-blended Christmas gift from a niece and nephew, while working on a project for a freelance writing client.
My gratitude for safety and warmth is mixed with sadness at the loss of a friend. Stuart died last night, in hospice care, after ending treatment for cancer. Many people have sent their love to Stuart and Jan in recent days. I hope that the warmth of community and the happy memories of his hearty singing voice, his love of the arts, his enthusiasm for helping city students learn and his grace during illness may lift all those who knew Stuart.
Chris Swingle Farnum is based in Rochester, NY.
Chris Swingle Farnum, writer/editor 
So sorry Christine.
Christine,
Thank You for this lovely gentle way of finding out about Stuart. We were told in choir that time was near and some were able to go and sing some favorite songs which he enjoyed and was able to hum along. I will be contacting you about going forward with the Walk the Walk program for the children he served so faithfully. It is of great comfort to us all you are continuing the UU Schools Partnership Program, a vital part of Stuart’s legacy. Blessings, Barbara