FIRST REAL SNOW

Our first foray into winter.  It came savagely.  Howling winds, blowing snow, freezing rain.  Yet, what is not to love? 

I had to go out eventually- one does have to eat.  I bundled up in my windpants, anorak jacket, my knit scarf, warm warm mitts, my big sorrell boots...and loved every minute of being in the wildness of it all.

As my car warmed up enough for the slabs of ice and snow to slide off, I shoveled what little snow had accumulated.  It was an easy shovel job- the snow was more powdery than heavy.  I breathed the air- feeling the snowflakes catch in my nose and throat.  So very cool and refreshing.  The snow melted on my cheeks and I could feel them go rosy red.

As I headed out to do errands I felt such gratitude for the beauty before me.  The snow dresses up the world.  The snow forces everyone to slow down. 

While waiting at a light I was transported back to some of my winters in the NWT.  Evenings so crisp with the cold- greenish northern lights like flowing ribbons in the sky- the stars twinkling- everything feeling so close.  My favourite evenings were at 30 below zero.  The absolute best time to breathe the cold air into your lungs...And the best time to split wood.  The kids would be sleeping...I would steal out feeling the sheer joy in the exercise and the time alone.  Due to the dryness and cold, the wood split swiftly as the axe hit.

Snow and winter mean warm crackling fires; hot chocolate; curled on the couch with the kids watching movies- eating popcorn.  Or reading.


I always get a kick out of the reaction of people when they see me in my sorrells.  They are "high tops".  White and clunky.  I love the noise they make when I clump through the stores!  I don't mind their stares at all- I am warm- my toes are toasty.  I usually wear no socks.  Even up north when it was -50.  I would still be out in my boots with no socks.  I would stuff a pair in my pocket if I happened to be visiting someone.  My esthetician often shakes her head in reprimand then resignation- going around bare foot is tough on your feet!

Up North of 60 the winters are very dry- the air and the snow.  I did not mind the cold at all.  Or the darker days. At night while walking home I would drink in the sight of the snow- it twinkled and glittered like diamonds. 

The kids are excited- snow means snow shoes, hockey, cross country skiing, sliding- playing outside period.  Snowmen if the snow is wet enough.  Snow angels if the snow is deep enough.

Even the shovelling is fun.  I am going to start having visions of the snow plow removing all the snow from the front of my driveway this year- instead of the inevitable dumping the street load into it.

Lastly, the snow today has stirred up excitement in me for Christmas.  Already the streets are being lit by the pretty lights. 

Hunker down, enjoy the slow pace...sip some hot rum toddys or hot lemon:

• Boil water and while waiting prepare the nice clear glass mug
• Place a spoonful of honey into the mug
• Cut half a lemon and squeeze the juice in (or use 1 Tablespoon of bought lemon juice)
• Sprinkle in cinnamon, nutmeg, a few cloves (don't eat them if you use whole cloves)
• Add the boiling water
• Stir well and add a cinnamon stick...cinnamon sticks can be rinsed and used again
• Add an ounce of rum if you wish
• I will sometimes add orange juice if I do not have any lemons

I give the hot lemon drink to my kids when they are getting colds.  It works much better than those lemon mixes you get at the drug store- better for you too!  Think of the winter as a time to regenerate- a quieter time.  Enjoy the beauty the snow brings.


Love and All Good Things,

The Peaceful Matriarch