This year, we are finally having a real UP winter. It actually started snowing in November, as it should. I haven't measured yet, but I bet the total snow accumulation is over 75 inches. Presently, at least two feet are on the ground in Houghton, with a bit less in Ontonagon.
The best part, though, is that we've been able to enjoy it. Michelle bought me snowshoes for Christmas, and we've been walking Bird-dog nearly every afternoon after work. And, yesterday, we went cross-country skiing for the first time this winter. It felt great to get out there and move. On Boxing Day (12/26), I drove to Duluth to see my friend Marlene, and even did some snowshoeing over there.
When I was younger, I always thought of winter as this totally desolate time, but what I see now is that it is beautiful. It's a different kind of beauty from the wild and exuberant beauty of summer, for sure, but it is beautiful, nonetheless. The light in the woods yesterday afternoon was simply spectacular, and it took my breath away. We were skiing in the late afternoon, and as it grew closer to dusk, it seemed as though the snow as actually glowing with a kind of pinkish light. It was simply lovely.
About Me
- Fran
- Milan, New Hampshire, United States
- I'm an Episcopal priest who loves the outdoors and being creative. In my work life, I find joy in helping others to learn that they are theologians. I believe that each of us is called to work for God's justice in the world. My husband David and I live in Northern NH, next to a beautiful state park, with our standard poodle Ollie.
4 comments:
HI HG,
Sounds wonderful and gorgeous in the UP. We've had a bunch of snow here but everything warmed up after the solstice so it's melted down to a nice level and the roads and walkways are finally not icy.
We've been slackers about excercise unless we can count waddling out to the tub and back.
Happy New Year!
L
I used to think that winter was a necessary evil, or a sort of penance we have to endure in order to have the amazing abundance of the other seasons. But when I realized how incredibly beautiful winter is the world changed for me--one of the great gifts of living in the country. And that was when I realized that I wasn't a city girl any more.
And the other gift is realizing that winter is not a state of stasis in which nothing happens. Here in New England there are already buds on the trees and a hint of yellow on the willow fronds. They won't do anything for a while, but you can see them. We have already experienced the shortest of days and the light is returning--only a minute or two at a time but still, it adds up. They'll be making maple syrup before we know it, and pitchers and catchers report for spring training in 6 weeks.
And I'm happy to report I have just had the best Christmas EVER. What a wonderful way to start the new year. Life is good. Hugs to you.
I've always thought that winter cold is the price we pay for winter light. Sunsets on the Charles have been glorious lately.
I've always thought that winter cold is the price we pay for winter light. And it helps to be properly dressed for the cold, too.
Sunsets along the Charles River have been just glorious lately.
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