Oh My, It Feels Like Winter – Already?
As winter approaches, I find myself looking forward to it as well as missing the warmth of the summer and fall months. It is exciting to see the first snow fall and watch the ponds freeze, and later the lakes. The change of seasons is really amazing, if you take time to watch it.
As a kid growing up in Minnesota, I remember sitting in school and seeing the first snowflakes. It was like a silent message was passed to all the kids because soon we were all looking out the window, not listening to the teacher. I have noticed as I have gotten older, looking out the window at the snowflakes has become less consuming. But even at work, I recall several us looking out the window for a minute or two and saying to each other, “Look, it’s snowing!” It’s magical I guess.
Then there is the temptation of walking on the freshly formed ice on the lake. It has always been a draw for me. Yes, you can fall in. But be smart about it, and don’t go out any further than you are willing to get wet. The pull for me is as strong as watching the first snowflakes. My brain thinks, “The lake is frozen. Let’s go check it out.” Walking on the ice and hearing small cracks is part of the excitement. A few days ago, our lake froze over, probably for the winter, but it is earlier than recent years, so we will see. The geese stood on the frozen lake wondering what happened. Or were they just waiting to go for a quick skate before they left town? I guess we will never know. Enjoy the changes, I do. Will there be skating on Thanksgiving? We shall see.
