I know what the calendars all say: December 22nd is the first day of winter. Well, that may be the day of the winter solstice this year, but the season of winter begins long before that here in Vermont.
Sometime in October, I begin to gather up all the flip-flops and bug spray. The wind chimes come down and get packed away with the harvesting baskets. Then, I bring out the bags of Winter Gear. I discovered to my great annoyance that this year some little mice had chewed into each bag to see what was there, and nibbled on leather straps and such. (New Rubbermaid bins have now been purchased.) So I had some repair work to do before all the kids had to try on last year's snow pants and boots to see what still fits.
First, the little stretchy gloves are worn to school on frosty mornings. Next, hats make their debut, followed by the good, warm coats, scarves and thicker gloves. Finally, finally, the snow pants and boots get their turn as the first snowfall and really cold temperatures bring the official start of winter. This year, we had a bit of snow in November, just a few inches and just before Thanksgiving. It melted a few days later but the mercury has continued to drop so that any precipitation we get now comes as icy flakes. We got several inches last week and the sledding was pretty good for a few days, but it is now in desperate need of rejuvenation by a new batch of snow.
When we first visited Middlebury in late December 2003, they had just plowed out from 21 inches of snow. It was beautiful! In fact, I remember stopping in front of the public library one evening and inspecting the snowflakes. I was enchanted- they were REAL snowflakes with REAL snowflake shapes! I couldn't recall ever having seen that kind of snow before; I assumed those shapes could only be seen with a microscope. In Virginia the snow resembled either little balls of shredded styrofoam or big chicken feathers. In Utah it was "powder"- again, like itty-bitty styrofoam bits. I scooped up some Vermont snow on my black gloves to show Quinn and said something like, "If it's going to make magic snow like this here in Vermont, then I can live here." I still call it magic snow when it all comes down in unique 6-pointed formations because it's still magical to me.
It's now a week or so into December, and winter is here to stay. It actually feels good- at least at this point. I'm quite glad the shortest days hit their peak during the holiday season; even though winter drags on and on and on here, at least the days get longer and we get a little more light. And if there's snow on the ground to reflect some bright white into the house, that's even better. So let it snow... snow on snow on magic snow.
By the way, I put the link on the sidebar, but this is one of the coolest sites I've seen this week! Make a Flake!
6 comments:
I loved that site. So beautiful. We rarely get the six-sided flakes here either, but I love to cut them from paper.
We have gotten pathetically grim snowfall since living here and less snow is one of the worst things about moving south. You can keep your mild climates - I'm a hat & scarf lover. I'm so warm-blooded that cold is always welcome, and especially if magic snow comes with it! Fun, and I love all your pictures of the fun you guys have in the snow!
Do you need the flowered snow bibs back?
Not this year, although there is a chance I may recall them some other time. Thank you, though.
Wow, I had no idea that it was possible to SEE six point snowflakes. Amazing. Growing up in SC, I tend to think snow only occurs in crazy places like Alaska and Antarctica.
... and Vermont. You should come up for a visit some winter- if you dare!
I'm happy with our light dusty of snow every other year but I do get a little jealous when I see such wonderful Christmas scenes that you enjoy up north. Sigh!
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