Chapter 5, Snow Scene, sections 1-3 Summary and Analysis

Ade builds a woodshed just outside the cabin door, providing the additional unintended benefit of shielding the entrance from wind and snow. Helen's pension check finally arrives along with the grocery bill and a dearth of Christmas cards. Helen says she'd type of a New Years letter if she had a mimeograph. Ade suggests that they might make a living via mail, using a mimeograph for advertising. Later, Helen makes some old-fashioned and low-materials bread that reminds Ade of his grandmother's baking. Preparing for a mail-run, Ade cannot find his razor. Helen suggests, to Ade's surprise, that he might consider growing a beard.

The snowfall is heavy. Helen watches the squirrels scamper about and squabble over food, only to be scattered by the sudden appearance of an ermine. A group of jays dive-bomb...