In the Heart of Winter

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Temperatures here in the east have been very freezing.

The sun still peeks out, from time to time, but it sure doesn't elicit any warmth.

That will change come spring.

For now, it's winter so freezing temps, snow, and even icy windshields that need to be melted before driving can begin are to be expected. 

 What helps get through the winter is finding things to like about the season.

Each person is different and will find things that personally suit them.

Around here, covering up with a soft, electric throw at night is a warm and comfy delight, while working on the lap top or watching a movie on the television.

So are lighting at least four candles each evening. They are the kind that have fake flames but look extremely real as they flicker away.

Feeling the freezing wind on one's face and inhaling the bitterly cold air actually invigorates.

Planning to dust off the frost on the poinsettias and place them in the "charity box."

Draping pink crocheted blankets along the backs of the sofa and a remote chair; seeing a Christmas cactus in full, lush bloom;  eating bowls of Hungarian cream of mushroom soup or steaming, homemade beef stew; looking out the window and seeing millions upon millions of snowflakes falling down from the sky; and baking cookies or a small cake that fills the apartment with delicious baking fragrances---all of these are delightful parts of winter.

Also, pulling the bedroom black-out curtain aside and seeing the brightness of a newly fallen snow landscape delights.

Feeling cozy, safe, snug, and warm, in one's space is a gift beyond amazing. So many people do not live with such a luxury.

Thinking of the poor souls who lost their entire homes in the California wildfires tears my heart in half.

 Now, time to go clean off the snowy car and begin the busy day.

That will require trudging through the snow carefully to avert falling.

Uhhhh, how many days until spring?  

In the Heart of Winter

 Here in western Massachusetts, we are in the heart of winter.

As temps dipped into the single digits the other night, Jack Frost came to do some art work on the windows.

 As most people slept, snug and warm under several layers of blankets, quilts, and flannel sheets, ol' Jack made stunningly beautiful icy "paintings" on the windows.

The following morning, when the lace curtains in the bedroom were pulled aside, the crystal-looking exhibition proved to be quite incredible.

 The intricacy of the designs, sparkling like a million diamonds,  proved breathtaking but short-lived.

 In a few hours, the brilliant sunshine, surviving despite it being 18 degrees outside, wiped away the icy canvases.

More will appear, no doubt, before winter's end.

 AREN'T THE GIFTS OF MOTHER NATURE AMAZING?