Painting by Jim A. HallI loved this past Saturday. The snow fell, I had no commitments away from home, so it was possible to just savour winter. Along with shovelling I refilled the birdfeeders. Later I looked out the window to see juncos, chickadees, even a couple of goldfinches who must be wondering why they didn't migrate. And then there was a male cardinal sitting on a branch just above one of the feeders. There was a simple pleasure in seeing these birds foraging for enough food to keep them going as I stood in the warmth of our family room.
We tend to be such grumblers about winter now, as though the modest amount of snow we now experience is a colossal imposition. The media are no help, offering dire predictions about basic snowfalls. How did we develop this memory loss about the realities of winter?
The determined birds are one of God's gifts of the season. What do you enjoy about winter? Any feathered visitors at your place?
7 comments:
I do not enjoy winter, never have. Have just spent last week driving across Canada. Compared to Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, we don't have a lot of snow. WE have a lot of birds at our feeders. I do enjoy watching them.
We had a great time at my place. Shovelling finished, we build snow forts, made snow angels and just enjoyed the day.
Flushed cheeks and hot cider upon completion! My two 6-year olds and I had a blast, and I add Saturday to one of those days I'll remember once they're grown and gone.
We have just put out suet on our feeders and on Saturday we had a downy woodpecker. The male has been to the feeder before, but this was the female. It was interesting to watch her bulk up on fat!!
After chores were done on Saturday we headed to a local hill to tobogan. It was fun, even for us old adults, although my legs are a little sore from the walk back up the hill. Too used to the ski hill and a lift to get back to the top! We are making an attepmt this winter to get out more and enjoy the winter. We do live in Canada! Enjoy this cold but sunny day. The sunshine does wonders for us!
Yes, we have lots of snow. I can't believe how many times I have had to get out and shovel. The novelty has worn off (although its great exercise). I don't grumble about the amount. I hear stories from people from an older generation who talk about snow piling up to the telephone wires, so I still think we are getting off easy.
I don't mind the winter. The harsh cold can take one's breath away, but I do enjoy watching snow fall, the sun sparkling on newly fallen snow, thik hoar frost on the trees, sundogs, and the excitement of the boys as they see how much bigger our backyard snow drift has gotten.
By the way, I don't think I've seen any birds except for big black crows, especially any with colour. I think all of ours have moved to Ontario for the winter.
After I wrote this I discovered that this is "Blue Monday," sort of the miserable middle of unofficial winter. It is great to read of some of the things you have been doing.
Laurie, you're brave to cross the West in winter! Welcome back. It sounds, Deb, as though you might agree that driving through Saskatchewan is a good idea at this time of the year.
I hope to hear from more of you.
We do have a short memory of what winter can be like. It's not that many years ago that Mel Lastman called out the army to help move snow. I guess Mel forgot that 10cm is really not that much snow.
There is still the possibility of big snow. Dec 17th 2009 Minden ontario recieved 110cm in 36 hours. Driving through on hwy 35 you wouldn't know there was a town there except for the traffic lights. Snow banks were pushed up higher than the Tim Hortons sign.
I also experienced 89cm of snow in 12 hours Feb 16th 1992 when I lived in Thunderbay. Today I'm looking at a possible 36 degree temp swing in 36 hours. It was -33 when I got to work this morning, and they are forcasting +3 for tomorrow afternoon.
Deb. I'm not surprised it's you on the shovel, and not Jeff. Next time is snows tell him to pull on his sandals and go shovel.
Two consecutive days of bright sunshine and fresh snow. This is the winter I like. I love the seasons. Walking, outside skating, toboganning....and it might not officially count as a winter activity but being in the warmth inside,with everyone home and nowhere to go.
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