Walking Iten's Acres: A Lovely Snow February 21, 2015

A lovely snow. And one month before spring. I was wondering if we were going to get a "real" one this winter. I almost hate to walk in it and mar the beauty. But . . . it's what I do. Actually, it takes a little effort for an old man to walk through this snow. And not many tracks which surprised me--even in the wild area. Gus was about as always. He still runs at an angle because of his hurt-- long ago--paw. Doesn't seem to mind. No complaints. Wouldn't make a good human. I do miss Bonnie on a day like today. She loved the snow! Would play in it with the greatest of joy. She and her old buddy Gus would have a blast on a snowy day like today. Frolicking. Chasing. Faces white from eating the snow. Dog weather. There is joy in sad memories.
I enjoyed spending part of the day just sitting in the green recliner by the doorwindow watching the flakes come down. Slowly, almost imperceptibly turning the world white. The trees are coated, especially the blue spruce by the pond. The pot bunkers are not only covered, but the snow is up to their tops. The dead growth has been smothered in the wild area. The pond is a deep pool of frozen water. (Hope the gold is warm.) The Sentinel and Ancient Maple and Hester are unperturbed. How many of these storms have they endured? My feathered friends are active of course. Fearless as I sweep the patio to throw down food. Cardinals were created for snow days. This evening as it darkened I sat and watched the porch lights reflecting off the beauty. From my backfront door I can see off into the distance beyond my wildness and see the lights of the windows in the distant homes of my Morrow County neighbors. There's something serene and, dare I say, even mystical about such lights in the dark white of a winter snow. Evidence of Life--in the remote corners of my "universe."
The cold is returning. As I said earlier, March is going to come in like a pride of lions. Roaring. Trembling. King of the Frigid Jungle. Yet, I'm sure the tulips, daffodils, snowdrops, crocus and other early blooms are fearless waiting for those first warmer days. They have no fear of the Lion of Winter. Defeated him multiple times. And will do so again. And the buds will form on the trees. The redbuds and dogwoods and fruit trees, come April, will blossom again. The wild violets and spring beauties will carpet The Acres once more. The Invincible Beauty of spring. Beauty you have to wait for--but worth the wait. Perhaps the waiting adds to the beauty? Especially on a beautiful black and white day of a February snow storm. What's the old saying? "There's nothing more extraordinary than the ordinary." Or, "Simplicity carried to extremes is elegance." Such was the beauty of my day at The Acres. Thank You, Lord for days of simple elegance. Yes, thank You.

Again.