Monday, January 21, 2008

Gratitude Monday - Normal Weather Edition

We had some snow over the weekend. Most people curse this. I am not among them.
It’s normal and I’m happy. This is Alberta and it’s supposed to snow.

We need the moisture and plants need snow cover for insulation. The little forest animals have long since donned their white winter coats. Without snow they are white against a brown background and that makes hiding difficult. Predators have to eat. Having their quarry easier to see is good for them. The prey has a right to survive, though, and normal snow cover is necessary for them.

Good reasons aside I like living where seasonal changes are definite and obvious. I’m not satisfied to look at the calendar and read that it’s the latter part of January. I want to peer though a frosted window and see snow. I want to step outside during a deep, dark chill and smell the wood smoke from fireplaces and wood stoves. I want the cold, dry air to assault my lungs.

I’m happy to say this is all part of the new snowfall package.
Crystals sparkle in the moonlight in the back yard. It’s cold and crisp and the earth is covered with a fresh, insulating layer of white.
This is normal and natural and it’s the way it’s supposed to be.
For that I am grateful.

11 comments:

the Bag Lady said...

The Bag Lady is grateful for a warm house to protect her from the seasons. She, too, enjoys the change of the seasons, she just wishes for fewer winter months and more green ones! Although, the older she gets, the faster ALL of the months seem to go by!

Hilary said...

Sure, you just go right ahead and selfishly inspire an appreciation for winter in me! How fair is that when I was all ready to grumble about today's cold winds? I mean really! ;)

Sounds lovely, Leah.. and it is. Thanks for that. :)

Leah J. Utas said...

dfBag Lady - It's not just you. I swear time has speeded up.

I am evil and must be destroyed, Hilary. I thought you knew.

Crabby McSlacker said...

Sounds really lovely! (But then I don't have to bundle up and go out in it with my thin California blood).

And thanks for another gratitude reminder!

Leah J. Utas said...

It is lovely, Crabby.

Ann (bunnygirl) said...

You have a wonderful attitude, Leah!

For myself, I'm grateful it's NOT cold (relatively speaking) around here and that I can simply add an extra layer of clothing and continue to go about my normal business. No beauty of snow and changing of seasons, but no worry of slipping on ice, either.

It's all good, any way you look at it!

Leah J. Utas said...

"It's all good, any way you look at it!"

You're exactly right, Bunnygirl.

Reb said...

Too bad it not cold DRY air these days. With Humidities at 70% or higher, we may as well be living in the Eastern part of the country!

Of course, you are right, we need the snow cover. All the little bunnies stand out so much when there isn't any.

Leah J. Utas said...

It was dry enough this morning, Reb. Totally get your point, though.
We're used to a dry cold here.

Terrie Farley Moran said...

df Leah,

I never lived in the country so I never appreciated that like all things in nature, snow has a purpose. I appreciate your teaching me that.

Reb, you guys have white rabbits??? All the one's I've seen running wild both in Florida and New York are brown. I thought White Rabbit was a song with Grace Slick singing the lead. Very cool!

Terrie

Leah J. Utas said...

dfTerrie - You're welcome.

Bunnies and several other furry critters like weasels turn white in the winter as camouflage.

Now I'm going to have White Rabbit hopping though my mind. Fortunately it's one of my favourite songs and I'm happy about the reminder.