Blanket

As part of my research into the fur trade, background for several novels and my Skye's West series, I became interested in the great Hudson's Bay Company, and especially their point blankets, heavy wool blankets they traded to natives and trappers for pelts. These were incredibly warm, and prized by people who lived in harsh climates. They wicked away moisture, were never clammy, and were much more comfortable than a buffalo robe.

I was telling friends recently about my nostalgia for the HBC blankets. When I was a little boy in the 40s my mother drew up a scarlet and black one to tuck me in at night. The thick, well-carded wool was a great comfort and induced a good sleep and deep security.

Well, today a package arrived from Woolrich, licensed by HBC to produce modern Hudson's Bay Company blankets, and in it was a gift from friends, a queen sized six-point blanket, scarlet with the black bands, a magnificent gift, and one I will use and cherish the rest of my days on earth.

I pulled it over me, feeling its gentle and healing force, and knew I am a lucky man, lucky in my friends, my heritage, my spouse, and my life.