"Snow-Balls have flown their Arcs, starr'd the Sides of
Outbuildings, as of Cousins, carried Hats away into the brisk
Wind off Delaware,-- the Sleds are brought in and their Runners
carefully dried and greased, shoes deposited in the back Hall, a
stocking'd-foot Descent made upon the great Kitchen, in a
purposeful Dither since Morning, punctuated by the ringing Lids
of Boilers and Stewing-Pots, fragrant with Pie-Spices, peel'd
Fruits, Suet, heated Sugar,-- the Children, having all upon the
Fly, among rhythmic slaps of Batter and Spoon, coax'd and stolen
what they might, proceed, as upon each afternoon all this snowy
December, to a comfortable Room at the rear of the House, years
since given over to their carefree Assaults."
-- first sentence of Mason & Dixon, per David Kipen, 7 Apr 97
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