this winter has been so gloriously mild. lots of greens and browns on the landscape rather than white. when it has snowed, it's been a flaky snowfall that accumulates in miniscule inches and is gone the next day. crocus and daffodils already poking up in soft soil. more sneakers, less boots. walks on grass and asphalt, wearing thin gloves, going hatless. i have been spoiled by this winter's weather.
until now. here we are only four days past the vernal equinox and we have snow. lots and lots of all day, all night snow. now that it's spring, comes the storm i've been dreading all winter. tonight my body aches from hauling in extra wood and shoveling to keep the walkway clear. it's snowing still and i know that tomorrow will hold more of the same.
but as i write this, i am distracted by the forgotten beauty beyond my window. in the soft glow of the back door light, the snow sparkles as it flies through the air and settles in high drifts. it silences the night air and insulates this old house in a white blanket of warmth. it makes me remember what i have always loved about wintertime.
