A Winter Walk

Journal Entry- December 4, 1993- A Winter Walk

I  step out my front door and take a deep breath. I feel the cold air move into my lungs before blowing it out. The warm air is smoky white as it rises above me.  I love the cold. This may not be a popular opinion but there is something truly magical about wintertime.

Yesterday brought a soft, beautiful snowfall so this morning is all about getting outside and enjoying the elements. My mother already texted me with a reminder to make sure I wear my boots, hat and winter coat.  She knows that I will be up and out the door early. Some things never change.

I grew up on a lake and every winter was like a beautiful fairytale to me. I loved to wake up early, bundle up and walk down to the water.  In this quiet of the morning I was watching for the ducks and the owls while  listening to the wind as it moved across the water and passed through the trees. When the lake was frozen my dad and I would go ice skating. This was always a bit exciting and exhilarating. I liked to think of myself as an ice angel as I was gliding on the frozen water. 

I do follow my mom’s advice and bundle up for my walk. I snap a selfie and send it to her so she knows that I actually listened to her.  This, I am sure, will make her day.  I  walk slowly down the sidewalk making my way to the coffee shop. Along the way I pull my stocking hat down so it is nice and snug. I love wearing stocking hats. They are so functional and super cute. They keep my hair out of my face while keeping my head toasty warm. Stocking hats are like warm hugs for your head.  This thought makes me happy. 

Because I am an early bird I get the most wonderful experience of walking “the white carpet”. The snow is perfectly white and perfectly unblemished. I hear the snow crunch and pop as my boots make their impression. Looking back at my trail of footprints reminds me of how I love to see animal tracks in the snow. After a snowfall it is easy to see where deer, rabbits or squirrels have been as their print reveals their nightly journey.  I turn right and take the scenic route to Sample Gates.

The  song, Over the River and Through the Woods, floats through my mind as I crunch along this wooded path. I am alone in this place at this moment in time.   A slight breeze pushes snow off the trees above and it sparkles like fireflies as it floats to the ground. I pause to take in this amazing, cold morning.  The trees now have arms that are reaching towards the sky; reaching out to catch all the little birds that need a rest.  The now bare tree reveals its secrets; I see bird nests and knot holes and wonder who is living there now. The gorgeous pine trees are in a league of their own. Their long branches sway in the wind and they look like giant snowmen dancing.

I move along the path and arrive at one of my other favorite things. Coffee. I love to drink coffee all year long, however, I make drinking coffee an event during the cold weather months. I fill up a large cup with a hazelnut blend and head back out. The crisp cold air and the steaming hot coffee are complete opposites.  That is why they are great together. I am walking down mainstreet now and the air is full of snow flurries. I stop and close my eyes before sticking my tongue out. I know this is a completely toddler thing to do but I can’t pass up the opportunity to feel the flakes. Winter is my season and I take my enjoyment of it very seriously.

At this hour of the day there is only one store open on mainstreet. Parlor Donuts is a favorite among campus residents and is exactly where I want to go. I decided to order two donuts today, maple bacon and french toast. This way I can have one at the library and one later this afternoon at home when I make a fresh pot of coffee. I stuff the donuts into my backpack and head back out.

The falling snow is dropping  faster and heavier. It leaves little wet patches on my face as I walk towards the library. I would say this is the kind of day I dream about during the hot humid months of summer.  The snow is falling, the coffee is hot, and I am heading to the library to cozy up with a book. Perfection.

One of the most wonderful things about cold winter weather is the feeling I get once I am inside.  Warming up under a blanket or snuggling with a loved one is such a good feeling to have.  I can remember playing in the snow as a young girl. I would spend hours building a snowman, throwing snowballs at my brother and sledding. When I was done my mom would give me hot chocolate with marshmallows and I would sit by the fire to warm up. The next day I would be ready to do it all over again. 

When I think about cold weather my thoughts quickly turn to food. Cold weather outside requires a hot meal inside. I am totally devoted to the cold weather diet and all the diversity it offers.  This diet includes soups of all varieties but especially french onion, potato and cheddar broccoli. Then various types of chili, stew and jambalaya. I don’t want to leave out toasted sandwiches, hot meatballs, ham and beans, oatmeal, grits, biscuits and gravy, chicken and noodles, dutch oven tots and pot roast. I relish these meals during the cold winter months and usually put on a few extra pounds but I think it is totally worth it.

I have settled in at the library in my favorite little nook. I should be reading for school but it is Saturday so I opt for a couple of hours of a murder mystery. Thank you winter for all the joy you bring to my life. Keep the snow coming, the temperatures cold, the library open and the coffee hot.

Thoughts From LMM