JUST A LITTLE DUSTING OF SNOW GOES A LONG WAY!

There is something magical about snow. Yes, I know the uniqueness of every little snowflake may be part of it - but it is more that that. It is a mental/emotional/spiritual thing. Just the mention of snow on the weather report sends crowds to the store to buy bread and milk, and whatever else they can cram into grocery carts. It's like we think we will be snowed in for weeks! That NEVER happens here in Richmond. NEVER!! But that reality does nothing to change the behavior.

As a child, snow meant an unexpected holiday. I grew up in Warrenton, Virginia - and we really had snow! Sometimes we were out of school for two weeks at a time. If I close my eyes, I can still hear the sound of tire chains hitting the pavement in front of our house...I can almost sense that stinging sensation of being in the wet snow and cold for hours...I remember the heavy vanilla taste of "snow cream" - and I even remember being pulled behind a car on my sled. I guess parents weren't so concerned with safety in those days - but, I survived.

Snow is not as captivating to me, now. At least, not in the same way. Afterall - a wheelchair and snow do not mix! Still, I find myself watching the school closings (even though my son is grown, married, and lives in Oregon!). I feel excited - that same childish wonder - at the possiblity of the white stuff - and I just enjoy watching it fall. Everything is beautiful and quiet...and I still feel a little bit like I have that unexpected holiday. Yesterday, I had to postpone plans for a fun lunch with Marty - but I know we will do it next weekend. So, I relaxed into the day and stared out the window. We fed the squirrels - and our usual batch of raccoons...and a couple of cats who wandered on our deck for a treat. Mom and Pop cardinal showed up for a few bites of bird seed. (I always think they know they look wonderful against the white background!) I read a book - sipped sugar-free hot chocolate, and enjoyed the gas fireplace.

Today, the sun is out - the snow is nearly gone - and it is frigid and bright! I am hoping we have a few more days like yesterday before winter is done! After all - the hot, HUMID summer looms just ahead!