“May 7th—There were days last winter when I danced for sheer joy out in my frost-bound garden in spite of my years and children. But I did it behind a bush, having a due regard for the decencies.”

Indoors are servants, meals, and furniture. There, too, is the Man of Wrath, her upright Teutonic husband, inspiring in Elizabeth a mixture of irritation, affection, and irreverence. But outside she can escape domestic routine, read favorite books, play with her three babies—and garden to her heart’s content.

Through Elizabeth’s eyes and unique wit, we watch the seasons come and go, each bringing with it new events, friends, and neighbors.