We came through this weekend’s big snowstorm pretty well. Looking outside, I’m seeing a picturesque four inches of the white stuff, rather than a formidable foot or more. Saturday was windy, but only for a few hours, and mostly 15-20 mph fare, not the 40 mph gusts I was worried about.
My husband took the big kids skiing later Saturday. They only made it through three runs because it was cold — guess that wind chill factor is on to something — but we have a season pass to a local mountain so it was OK. I am trying not to think too hard about the fact that it took longer for me to corral everyone’s ski things and make sure they were in them than they probably spent skiing.
I took some of the children ice skating at an outdoor rink on Sunday in near perfect sunny 25 degree weather, and went sledding with the 7-year-old, thus crossing another item off the Winter Fun List. This was fun for me, but he was sitting in front of me on the sled, meaning he was the shield for flying powder and took some in the face on our fourth run. This ended the fun for him, but he cheered me on as I did two more runs.
I do not love winter. I have found myself thinking, lately, that in 2 months the flowers will be budding. Winter cannot last forever. But I also do not like the idea of wishing time away, and so I am trying to enjoy those things that are only possible in winter. A snowy weekend provides an opportunity to experience several of those things — and some stunning snowy sunsets and fires in the fireplace too.
I’m not a fan of winter, but I’m doing what I can to make it tolerable. Going out of my way to find some new, fun music to play in the mornings, leaving twinkle lights up on the mantle, reading a good book in my favourite armchair with some cozy lighting on, wearing heated socks, and drinking Holiday Chai Tea.
I’d exchange it all for a dose of warm summer weather, but that’s not going to happen so I’m trying to make the most of it. Today was sledding and hot chocolate for the kids, last week was skating, the week before homemade ice wreaths.
Winter is going to come whether I like it or not, so might as well walk away with some fun memories. Though I could do with a bit less snow this year. Yeesh.
Sounds like fun! I love winter and snow and actually am not a fan of spring. Since I live in Norway winter is November-March and we are often still skiing at Easter. Season passes for skiing are great for the reasons you describe- you can just go for a few hours and not feel like you have “wasted” hundreds of $$ in lift tickets.
I love your reminder to not wish time away. This is so relevant.
I love my wood-burning fireplace and my Christmas pine-scented candles. Makes things feel really cozy inside.
Sorry to day, but I LOVE winter. I remember taking the afternoon off from work to go skiing at a small (relatively) local place and it was -17°F! The guy at the bottom of the life was peering into each person’s face to see whether they might be getting frostbite – LOL!
Hah, I’m always reminded of how I feel exactly the opposite living in Phoenix. I could have written this in early November when it was still 95 degrees out 😉