On the Cellar Door has very humble origins. It grew as my children grew. Once my kids could read, a sign would go up on the cellar door around Thanksgiving. The original signs were simple orders: KEEP OUT. Somewhere along the line, I started to expand on this theme and would write a little poem, ending with a dire warning for any unauthorized persons who thought to cross the threshold. The second part of this book includes stories and poems that help portray my love/hate relationship with the winter season. In this section, you'll be reminded of joyous preparations and fond memories of the Christmas season, and the short days and long nights of cold that follow until spring finally makes it a thing of the past.