First Snow

Last Monday was welcomed with the first real snow of the year.  The first snow is always so soft and gentle and fluffy.  It covers the world in a pure velvet blanket.  The light of the world is softer, hazier.  All is quiet and hushed.  It’s a charmer, warming the hearts of even the most hardened winter haters; it lulls you into a false sense that maybe all will be well.  It makes you forget all the deep freezes, slush, snow dumps and back breaking labour of the dark winter to come. 

Dogs, in particular, love the first snow.  They get right into it.  They frisk and strain at the ends of their leashes.  They paw it, lick it, eat it, snorfle their noses right into it and throw their faces to the sky, chins heavy with snowbeards.  They kick it up with their feet, they swish it with their tails, they roll and scamper and love it.  Their lives are not disrupted by it (unless they get walked less).  They seem to thrive in the cold.  They are invigorated by it and embrace it.  You can’t help but feel a little of their excitement. 

I dreaded going out.  As pretty as it was, I am most whole-heartedly not a winter soul.  But I had warm boots, coat, hat, gloves and two dogs that were dependent on me to get out there and trudge in the damn stuff.  I anticipated that it would be blisteringly cold, but it was actually pleasant.  Even the best of walkers get lazy or put out if there’s a change in the routine.  Best to adopt the attitudes of the dogs and deal with whatever Mother Nature dishes out with a little fun.  If life gives you snow, throw on your boots and kick up your heels.

Now if only I could feel that same attitude when I get served up a heaping helping of extreme cold like we have today...