I'm GREEN!!

...with envy.





I just found out that it's snowing in Canada. Pretty soon it will be snowing in the mid-west (my old stomping grounds).

This will be my second winter in the temperate redwood rain forest of Northern California. Here it stays about 45 degrees F and rains constantly in the winter. Now if you're lucky enough to live up one of the various mountainous roads around here you might just get some snow around February. Even then it doesn't last. I'm really going to miss it.

I like the snow. I've never been afraid to drive in it. I looove walking in it. I love waking up in the middle of the night to great big snowflakes blanketing the ground while the moonlight shines brightly down on it. The ambient light reflecting off the snow gives me a sense of inner peace and calm. Like all is well with the world and it's been washed clean. The ice coats the bare tree limbs like a crystal sleeve. The snow muffles loud echoing noises to a dull hum and it crunches softly around your feet.

Do you remember the sound of your sled sliding over the frozen ground on your way to your favorite sledding area? When you get there you're so pleased to find that you're the first one of the day. You hop on your sled all bundled up in your snow overalls, coat, hat, scarf and mitts ready for a full day of riding. As you go careening down 'Dead Man's Hill' you make the first tracks. There's such a sense of satisfaction running through your body. You're invigorated to go again. This time you go faster in the newly made tracks and so you go a bit farther. You lean to the right to avoid the tree on the left and pass into a little pathway between the trees. Yes, you almost made it the the edge of the bank of the frozen creek.

Up the hill once again. On your sled, down you fly, smiling so big the frigid air seems to freeze your teeth. You don't care, you're going so fast that you just might make it this time. Down the hill you go, through the trees and you made it! You sled right on over the edge of the 2 foot bank and onto the frozen creek. It's so slick, you continue to slide almost to the other side. It's the coolest sled ride in history. So, you'll finish up your day trying to recreate the 'best ride ever'.

It's time to go home. Mom has some hot chocolate with marshmallows ready for you in your favorite mug. You strip down just inside the door and mom goes and warms up your sweats in the dryer. Sitting warmly dressed at the kitchen table you're regaining the feeling in your extremities, you thank God. You have a nice warm house, clothes and food. It's good to come in from the cold.

I have nothing but good memories of the snow. My only regret to living in CA right now is that my kids won't be able to make these same sorts of memories. Then again, I don't have many memories of the beach.