Winter is hanging on

Mother nature is not ready, as yet, to let go of winter. This morning she has unleashed another serious snowfall. The flakes are big and moist falling in a heavy sheet. The challenge to many, at this point, is to see the beauty of each one. So many of my neighbors who couldn't wait for the first snowfall as a wondrous sign of winter here in God's country are now bemoaning another storm instead of being grateful for the blessing and the gift. Too soon it will be over and spring will be here. Already small signs are raising their heads anxious for their turn.

The squirrels, up early, have arrived for breakfast. Life is present; snow makes no difference as long as they have food and shelter. The cats and I have that and more; and warm fire, a dry shelter with a wonderful view, hot showers and entertainment, and a shovel when the snow subsides. God provides me with all that I need and more, as well as the ability to enjoy, not wish away, the gift of today and to see it with eyes of wonder still.

The snow is alternating with rain and turning to/on the ground in melting off the driveway even though the air is quite frigid and requires gloves and hat outdoors. No need to shovel under these conditions, and the snowplow has been making regular runs but there is not a lot on the road to create a berm accept what he dislodges from the old piles and leaves all my driveway.

My friend blessed me with a ride to the post office but the only thing waiting was an ad. She also brought me a new Angel for my collection from her trip to Panama.

The morning snow became afternoon rain, slowly melting and washing away at the thin layer of mushy snow from the driveway and also creating a rivulet of ice to the backyard. Evening brings a magnificent sunset of charcoal clouds against the crimson sky over the broad ridge of the tree-topped mountain and a temporary deluge from the sky.

The wind is now silenced and the chill has paused, becoming a more tolerable cold. Night comes gently to God's country. The igloo my grandchildren built still stands, a monument to their weekend in the snow, of their persistence, and the sound of their voices echoes in my mind and heart.

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