“He who marvels at the beauty of the world in summer will find equal cause for wonder and admiration in winter.” – John Burroughs

Here in Missouri we had an extremely mild November with very little moisture and let me tell you we could use the moisture.  It is so dry around here that when I let the dogs out in the morning the trees chase them.

December is the month that autumn rides off into the sunset and gives the reins to “old man winter”.  On Thursday, December 21 winter will officially begin and visit with us until March 20, 2018 at which time spring will once again grace us with its presence.  At this time the seasons have come full circle once again.  The last two winters have left very little snow on the ground and some mild temps and all I can hope for is a real winter this year.  There, I am out of the closet!

Yep, you guessed it.  I am one of those twisted, sick individuals that actually loves the snow.  I absolutely treasure a walk in the woods during and after a fresh snowfall.  The world is so serene and Mother Earth looks so clean and pure.  The most fascinating thing, to me anyway, is how quiet it becomes.  One can actually hear the snow falling.

 “The first fall of snow is not only an event, it is a magical event.  You go to bed in one kind of a world and wake up in another quite different, and if this is not enchantment then where is it to be found?” – J. B. Priestly

December ushers in the winter and at the same time marks the end of the year.  Winter is the only season that is part of the old year and the new year.   It is the time of year when Mother Nature can bring travel in the United States to a standstill with her massive snowstorms.  Plummeting temperatures can drive people indoors for extended lengths of time.  It’s a time of year that you either love or hate.   The days are shorter and the longer hours of darkness can cause depression.

Winter can also be exciting.  I remember as a child when they predicted an accumulating snow I would break out the wax to wax the runners of my sled.  It was hard to sleep thinking about the winter wonderland that would be waiting at dawn.   A favorite winter treat was snow cream and hot chocolate gets an honorable mention.

“Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home.” – Edith Sitwell

So winter is once again upon us.  I haven’t checked the persimmon seeds or the wooly worms.  I haven’t checked the Farmers Almanac.  I think I will just let this winter surprise me with what is in store and not get my hopes up.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog.  I hope you enjoyed it.  Don’t forget to spread the love.

Note:  All pictures were taken by me and are the property of Double D Acres LLC.