Winter is my least favorite season. I miss the days when I could run out the door without having to stop and put on a coat and hat, boots, scarf and gloves. Winter is the longest season of the year here in Wisconsin, just like it was in New York where I spent the major portion of my life. I don't like shoveling snow, slipping on ice, tracking snow and salt into the house - not to mention cabin fever which is worse than ever during the coronavirus pandemic!
Hating winter as much as I do, I have to work hard to find enjoyment during the months of January, February, and March. (December is full of holiday celebrations, and winter is just beginning, so that one is easy.) I do a lot of reading, baking, and knitting. I have gone cross-country skiing with Mark a couple of times, but the temperature has been in the single digits and below zero with the wind chill factor this month, so I'm just hibernating in the house unless I have to go to the store. I walk my granddaughter to pre-school three times a week - a five-minute walk for which we are bundled up from head to toe.
This morning Mark and I watched the snow fall on the scene pictured above while we ate breakfast together in our sunroom. We are grateful to have each other during this time of isolation. As we gazed out the window at our white neighborhood, we talked about the coming spring and how much we have to look forward to: our 44th anniversary, the flowers that will bloom for the first time in this yard, the fact that we and many others will have had our Covid vaccines, and the world will be coming back to life in more ways than one.
Meanwhile, the weather forecast predicts another week of sub-freezing temperatures and snow. Snow unites the neighborhood, as one yard blends into the next one. A blanket of white hides boundaries and reminds us that we are all one humanity. Snow muffles noise, creating a feeling of peace and quiet.
Diana Cooper (https://dianacooper.com/) who works with the angelic realms, tells us that Archangel Gabriel is always present where there is snow, purifying the land and bringing joy and hope. Diana goes on to say in her February newsletter: "Hope is the message for the Spring. Hunker down for the rest of the winter but hold onto your vision that the new golden world will begin to show itself soon. Remember this every time you see a glimmer of sunshine peep through the clouds. Use this time of restriction to concentrate on what brings you soul satisfaction and happiness."
This morning it brought me soul satisfaction and happiness to share waffles and raspberries with Mark, while watching the snow fall and listening to Andrea Boccelli sing this song of hope called "I Believe."
The laugh of children
In a world where war has been banned
Men of all colors
Sharing worlds of love and devotion
The Holy Spirit
Find the power of your faith
To those who need you
In the name of love and devotion
Of all nations
To join and care
For love
Where light will guide us
And giving our love
We'll make heaven on earth
Where light will guide us
And giving our love
We'll make heaven on earth
