Spouse and I took a short - and fast - exercise walk outside today.
Winter had returned. We woke to a dusting of snow, temperature 24F (-4.4C), wind, and grey skies. After taking care of something unexpected (more on that another time), I decided I needed to clear my head.
Snow flurries whipped around us as we walked.
That short walk cleared my head. I'm still feeling cold from it.
As we walked across the snow sprinkled path, I said to spouse "And to think I used to love to walk in snow".
I really did, back when I was younger. I loved the crunch of the snow on the ground, and the hush of the world around me as snow came down. There really is a hush. I don't know if the snow deadens the sound or if human sounds are fewer, but I loved that hush.
Now, it's just a pain, although the sidewalk was no longer completely covered. It seems harder and harder for me to keep warm, too. At one time, 24 degrees (no, by the time of my walk, it had heated up to 26F) was nothing. Now, I dress as if I'm about to embark on an Arctic expedition.
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| Male Red Bellied Woodpecker |
I can envy the birds we see at our feeder.
They brave the cold with nothing but their feathers, but they seem to get along just fine.
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| Tufted Titmouse (center bottom) on our paw paw tree - you can also see a goldfinch on the yellow feeder |
We can wish for the days of our youth, but as we also like to say, "it is what it is."
And now, to make something hot. I'm grateful for a warm house and a hot beverage.
...this weekend it is cold, but the house is nice and warm.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful birds in the snow! Seeing them makes me happy. Snow and cold, not good for me. I am from Illinois, living in California. Then the crunch of the snow and silence was awesome.
ReplyDeleteBirds are a source of joy at any time, but they hold a special attraction in the winter when there are few of them and much to admire as they go about their business in weather that most humans find difficult to handle. I don't mind winter at all. I can always dress up and stay warm, but oppressive heat and humidity is impossible to escape. Summer is my least favourite season, although I embrace every day whatever the weather. Today we found our first Snowy Owl of the winter - and that's hard to beat.
ReplyDeleteThere is a reason why as people age, they move to the desert.
ReplyDeleteThe birds are extremely well insulated by their down and feathers. For the most part they can survive cold weather quite well. As for me, I enjoy the cold as long as it's not inclement. Cold is rare enough for us that it is a bit of a treat!
ReplyDeleteMy looks on snow has change over the years.
ReplyDeleteCoffee is on and stay safe
It is close to 40 degree celcius on my end. Too hot to walk outside as well. That woodpecker is so colourful!
ReplyDeleteThe first snow of the year is fun.
ReplyDeleteAdditional snows can exceed my tolerance.
Big wet snows that crush things and shut down business for a week were fun right up until I started paying my own bills.
(There was a transitional snowstorm one year when I woke up to the sound of the electrical transformer blowing and thought "What fun, snow days," and stayed up and lighted the fire so the'rents could sleep. Then I went around shovelling and propping up peach trees and fun stuff, earning money for college, and had quite a delightful day. Then I woke up in the middle of the *next* night with bronchitis and went around coughing for the next four months.)
I love your gorgeous birds! I'm always cold. I think I'm becoming more of a reptile--I need my hot rock!
ReplyDeleteHi Alana - well done on venturing out ... I too brave 'our cold' - about your temperature at the moment - thankfully warming up again soonish! The birds are lovely - but better viewed from inside than out ... the cockles of my heart need to be kept warm. Cheers Hilary
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