Spring has returned. The Earth is like a child that knows poems. ~Rainer Maria Rilke

Sunday, December 8, 2013

One small inch of pure joy

WE GOT SOME SNOW.
It's been really cold (for us) in the lower foothills for a week and the news was saying that a storm would come in on Friday about midnight, dumping some snow down to the 1500 ft. level. We are about 1200 ft. but it was so cold that we hoped, prayed and did little snow dances all week.
Cutter didn't seem too concerned because my sister was here for a few days and he's always happy to find out that every time his favorite aunty shows up, his favorite sofa magically expands into a bed with lots of room for him to nap on. 
They love when Sis is here. They get all happy and relaxed. I mean, upside down, fluffy butt snuggled in... relaxed and happy...
And she lets them enjoy themselves as much as they want. She spoils them more than we do.

The storm started a little early. By dinnertime it was raining really cold, soggy, icy rain. We had plans to drive over to Sutter Creek and go to the annual open house Christmas celebration. We ate dinner, dressed like we were dressed in Germany (one year ago this week) and left for the party. The Prospector stayed home and kept the dogs company.
By the time we crossed town and headed for Sutter Creek, it was snowing. WE WERE DRIVING...IN THE SNOW... AT NIGHT...IN THE CAR... AND IT WAS SNOWING.
This is the only proof that I have. It's the windshield of my sister's car where we parked in Sutter Creek.
It was very wet snow... BUT IT WAS SNOW!!!!!!
We walked up one side of Main St. and down the other.
We looked at all the shops.
It was like the small town Christmas I always wanted to be a part of. Father Christmas had just arrived and was walking around talking to everyone. There were carolers singing... and there were other crazy people, like us, out enjoying themselves and having a good time. There was a craft fair in the auditoruim and all the stores were open... each had goodies  for everyone. Someone was selling  hot cider on the street.
Even a couple of Santa's raindeer were there...
It was all just beautiful. We came home tired and happy,  with snow on our hats and another good memory of being together.

During the night I heard the rain and my heart kind of sunk. I thought that the weather must have warmed up and that the snow would be gone.
Then, early in the morning while it was still dark, I didn't hear the rain anymore. Not even the downspouts that always drip water. I'm sure that you, who live in the snow, know how quiet it can be... that moment when it's so quiet that you know something is muffling all the sound outside the windows and when you look out into the dark, somehow it's glowing... without a moon.
The storm did come in the night.
Not the heavy, damaging storms of the high mountains. Not the kind of snow storm that covers everything and swallows a foot or two of your house and surroundings.
We had one inch of snow on the ground. (Please don't laugh. I can hear some of you laughing.) This doesn't happen very often around here. 
This snow was like glitter that I add to my collages and paper ornaments.
This is that wonderful kind of snow that looks beautiful, makes everything sparkle...
Catches in the trunks of trees. ..
 makes the world look like a Winter Wonderland...

And is gone by noon.
But, miracles of miracles, this continued.

 Later it started snowing tiny hailstones.
 And then, it snowed heavily for a while.
 The surrounding hills were hardly visible,
even though the hills on the other side of the river had sun coming in between the clouds.

It was just the most beautiful day you can imagine for a "winter" person.
This is what I wait for all year long.
I'm going to give myself this day as a birthday present.
Saturday was a present to me, from me... and mother nature.
Happy, happy, happy.






10 comments:

  1. not laughing...doing my own version of the snow dance right now...hope, hope, hoping!

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  2. I know you aren't likely to forget the joy of this day but if you should you will have these beautiful photos to remind you. I find it delightful to read the words of someone who enjoys so much what nature sends to them.

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  3. nice...we had ice...and a little snow the last 24 hours....enough to get us out of school today...smiles. its magic for sure...and sounds like a good visit...hope you had a great birthday...smiles.

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  4. Oh, what a beautiful life! Thank you so much for sharing it with me this morning. We got our first snowfall of the year yesterday - 8 in when only 3 were predicted! And your little Corgi's are absolutely precious - I just want to kiss their sweet ears and rub them on my cheeks!

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  5. I love your excitement over the snowstorm! Great timing for getting in the holiday mood. Your pictures are really pretty, and I especially like the ones showing the snow sprinkling their glitter on the trees and hillside. Joy, joy!

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  6. Oh I wish I could have been with you and your sister sounds like so much fun. I know you did enjoy yourselves. Snow even one inch is wonderful. Love all your photos. Have a blessed day. Madeline

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  7. Yes, I remember my first snow. I was 20 and we stayed in a cabin outside of Reno.
    Look at Cutter on L's sofa bed. Have you ever seen anyone look more contented?
    "...like the small town Christmas I always wanted to be a part of"; that's always been a dream of mine, too. Your description of the whole event sounds heavenly. I'm so envious; wish I could have been there.
    The tiny hailstones you mentioned sound like they might have been "corn snow". Your photos, as usual, are stunning!!! What a talent you have!! Love, Dawn

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  8. Yes, there is some magical about snow, especially if you don't get it very often.
    Sounds like you had a lovely time with your sister and Cutter looks so happy snuggling down.

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  9. I would not dare laugh.... I live in Florida. What a great time you had with your sister, and a good time anticipating the snow dust. Love it.

    Happy almost winter to you!

    Velva

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  10. I'm so glad that you got some of that white stuff. Not so glad when we get it. If I could put in a request for snow and have it come on Friday night and last until Sunday evening, I'd feel differently. I've had some harrowing rides to work in the snow so it has lost it's glitter for me. Now when I retire, perhaps then I will be as excited as you with a winter wonderland. I'm a rain kinda girl. But again, so glad you are enjoying snow and that old time Christmas shopping excursion!

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