Appointment With Winter

We had our 1st snowfall last night and although this photo was taken during the winter of 2006, with a possible 20-40 cm on forecast from tonight until tomorrow night, all indications are that nature will repeat itself ....

"We have an appointment with winter and we are ready. The wood is stacked with seasoned applewood and maple, the snow shovel leans at the back door, the shelves are jammed with supplies.

When the first innocent flakes drift down, we put out more soot and fill the bird feeders.

When the snow begins to come in all directions at once and the wind takes on a peculiar lonely cry we pile more wood on the fire and hang the old iron soup kettle over it, browning the pot roast in diced salt pork and onion.

As the blizzard increases, the old house seems to steady herself like a ship against a gale wind ... snow piles up against the windowpanes, sifts under the ancient sills, makes heaps of powdered pearl on the ancient oak floors. But the house is snug in the twilight of the snow and we sit by the fire and toast our toes feeling there is much to be said for winter after all."

~ from the book "STILLMEADOW ROAD" by Gladys Taber, 1959.