Winter Solace

This morning we awoke to a soft, light snow. About 8 inches fell during the night. The trees were dressed with airy crystals shaded white. And the mountain tops held feet of powder, untouched. I decided to take the dogs out for a solo snow shoe. We abounded breathlessly up and over little mountains and trails - trudging through the shin high snow. A great way to clear your mind; a great way to burn around 800 calories. Tonight we plan on spending time with our dear friends: the Blanks and Nations. I'm sure we'll decorate Christmas trees that were freshly cut down today in Pike National Forest, sip on hot cocoa and indulge in some of Heather's homemade soup. The children will rummage through ornaments, eat cookies, and be dazzled by Christmas lights. There is something calming and almost comforting about winter in the mountains. A time when things slow down. The animals slumber, the people cozy up by a warm fire, and all is still and silent when a storm moves in. It is no wonder that come April and May how one can get fed up with the snow. It does snow quite a bit up here at over 10,000 feet. But it is even more of a wonder how one could not appreciate the beauty of snow when it does grace our presence. I really was not looking forward to this winter I confess; too much snow last year. But after a dry fall and little snow, I calmly welcomed in this storm that is supposed to dump 1-3 feet. Yes, 1-3 feet. Just another reflection of God's beauty. Just another winter day in the mountains. -AT-