Snowflakes Under Glass Part IV
Posted by Martha · Feb 26, 2015
Indeed, the landing was rough. When the Thimballoon dipped down into a snowdrift, the craft came to an abrupt stop. After climbing forth, the passengers slid on their bottoms all the way down the hill to Annabelle's cottage.
"What a ride!" exclaimed Gillian. "I loved that slide down. It was almost like sledding. Let's do it again!"
"It was fun, little mouse," responded a breathless Wendell. "but now, come inside. It's time for the funnest part!"
The travelers scurried inside the tidy cottage, ready for a warm fire and some well-deserved treats. All except for Jacob. The Hillside Whimble stood by a window gazing outside where the pale afternoon sun lit the lightly falling snow and The Blue Mountains to the north.
"He's planning something," said Wendell to himself. "I know that look too well."
"Okay, Jacob. What are you dreaming up now?" his brother asked.
"I want to capture some snowflakes. If you'll be ever so kind to find one of Annie's pretty pink platters, I'll go outside, land the flakes and place them into her freezer. Once they're good and frozen, out they'll come like Sweet Pea shortbread."
In no time, the snowflakes were landed and, quick as ever, were slipped into the freezer before they melted.
Wendell set up the micro-scope-a-tope on the kitchen table. The platter was retrieved from the freezer. Jacob placed several flakes between glass plates, also freezer ready, and peered down through the lens.
It was all quite exciting. Each Whimble and Companion took turns examining snowflakes. To their amazement, they discovered that each one was unique. No two alike. Ever. Jacob was mesmerized by their delicate beauty. After the others had returned to the hearth, the Hillside Whimble kept placing one specimen after another under the lens. All at once, something shocking happened. Jacob gasped. A snowflake was, well, moving under the lens and seemed to be waving hello. (to be continued from The Working Gardens - Caelumen)