Playing around with BeFunky again. So far, so good.
This is a photo from last winter. We have snow on the ground right now, but it’s going to warm up today, so I expect much of it will melt.
I have a love/hate relationship with Old Man Winter. I was raised in Michigan where huge snowfalls were the norm. For most of my life, I’ve lived in areas of the country that get a lot of snow. I can remember walking through a blizzard to get to a rehearsal when I lived in Philadelphia. Several of us in the cast were trying to get to the subway and we had to cling on to light poles when the wind started gusting in order to avoid being knocked on our behinds. In Boston, where I also used public transportation, I regularly slipped and fell on the icy sidewalks, had to wait for the T (the subway) while snow and sleet stung every exposed part of my skin. The last winter that I lived there, I remember thinking to myself: You have got to get out of here.
And I did. I got a job in San Diego. I lived there for 8 years. During that first winter in San Diego, I traveled home to Michigan for the holidays. At that time, my parents were living in Northern Michigan on the shores of Lake Huron, where huge snowfalls were a regular occurrence. There was snow piled everywhere and the winds coming off Lake Huron were sharp and biting. Perfect for a Christmas celebration with family.
But when I arrived back in San Diego, the temperature was in the 70’s and I felt the warmth of the sun on my face and I had that same feeling I have when I slip into a warm bath. Aaaahh.
So what did we do? Eight years later, we decided to move back East. And ten years after that move, here we are. My poor husband, Southern California born and bred, has never made friends with winter. He likes the first couple of snowfalls but then he longs for San Diego. Happens every year.
When I was younger and living in Michigan, I regularly drove in the snow and was rather fearless about it. I once drove across the state in a major blizzard to attend a friend’s wedding and didn’t blink an eye. Didn’t have four-wheel drive. Didn’t care.
Now, I watch the weather reports, I worry about Don driving home from work late at night, I do everything I can to avoid driving in the snow.
I get a wee bit depressed.
I’ve made a little list:
It’s very cold. But I like the way cold makes me feel invigorated.
It’s very cold. But I get to wear sweaters.
My garden is sleeping, hidden away under the snow. But I know that I will appreciate it all the more come spring.
There’s a lot of snow. But it looks so beautiful when the sun is shining and it sparkles.
All I see is white – everywhere. But I can see the bright red of our cardinals against the white of the snow and nothing is more beautiful.
I have to shovel. But it’s good exercise.
I get sick of it real quickly. But the dogs love it. Riley licks the snow, Scout frolics in it.
Winter seems endless. But without it, we wouldn’t appreciate the fresh green growth of spring.
It’s very cold. But I get to drink hot chocolate.
So here’s my question of the day:
I love the beauty of it, the changes of seasons, but as I get older the cold goes through me. It just does. So. Someday we hope to be snowbirds.
I hear Sandiego (San Diego?) is one of the most beautiful and weather perfect places on earth. How did you ever leave? …..
I live in Texas and despise any extreme weather: hot or cold. Part of my problem w/winter weather where I live is that while it may get down in the teens for days at a time. . . there is seldom any snow or places to ice skate. In other words, dismal winter weather w/o the fun winter outdoor activities! I’d love to go sledding down a hill!!!!
Spring & Fall, (mainly Fall) are my favorite seasons. . . . .
I grew up in Chicago, and remember how those winds that blew over Lake Michigan were bone-chilling!
I now live in Colorado and I love the first snowfalls, but by April I am sick of snow and cold. March and April are our snowiest months. Spring is fleeting and summer can be very hot. By August, I’m looking forward to cold weather again.
Your house is in such a beautiful setting.
nancyr
I lived in Mass for several years and loved the snow but that was when I was much younger. Now I live in GA and I’m so much happier and enjoy an occasional snow here. It’s pretty but scary as i get older to navigate snow and ice.
Hi Claudia. I can’t get enough of looking at your photo of Mockingbird Hill Cottage all surrounded by snow. It’s so beautiful! No wonder you love it so much! It’s as lovely outside as it is inside.
I love winter unless I get sick which I have been for over a week now. I love winter for it’s brisk, invigorating cold and the beautiful snowy landscapes it creates. I especially love snow around Christmas. Of course, I don’t drive and I don’t shovel. I might feel differently if I did.
I love winter! I was born in winter. I can see the sky in winter and not the haze of summer. I can breath in winter and not the suffocating heat of summer. Now I don’t drive in bad weather. I like our little 3 or 4 inches of that shuts everything down for a day or two. I’m from NC. We don’t shovel!
Your pictures are beautiful. It’s been really warm here this winter. I don’t think we will get snow this year.
Wow Claudia – I think we are soul sisters. I live in Peterborough Ontario – this year we don’t have much snow – in fact it is pouring rain today but we usually have tons of snow and I feel exactly the way you do. I love looking at the snow but being out in it – not so much. Luckily I telework so really only have to go out when the weather and roads are ok.
Claudia, I was born and spent the first 8 years of my life on an island off the coast of Portugal (Terceira Island, Azores). We lived just steps from the beach where I spent my days splashing in the water and playing in the sand. I HATE WINTER!
S
xo
X
Our winters go from November through March. We have actually been as cold as MINUS 60 degrees, many winters get a few days as cold as MINUS 40 degrees (though this has been a mild winter). I love winter in December. I endure January, February, and March…looking forward to May and garden planting!
Claudia, we have much milder winters in Georgia but I tire of weekends like we had recently. Rain and endless grey skies. I am about two days shy of needing Prozac. I require sun for mood stabilization and am not joking. However we need rain badly and cannot afford to loose more trees to drought at $350-$500 per tree for removal. hugs, olive
Not my favourite season. As a child we lived on a ranch in the middle of no where in Alberta. I remember snow over the tops of the first floor windows and up to the eves of the big barn and the tunnels that were dug so animals could be looked after. I lived in central British Columbia for several years when a teen and the snows and ice and snow forever was very tough to get through. I live on the BC Coast now and this winter was fine (rain every day is ok with me) until mid January when it snowed, iced, snowed, iced and now rain on snow = slush that is frozen. I didn’t go out for a week, don’t want to fall. I know it is a short snow time on the coast but miserable and cold when it is here. Thanks for today’s question.
I grew up in Iowa and by age 14 knew that I didn’t want to stay there.. not for the snow… not for the humidity…not for the mosquitoes. I lived in Arizona over twenty plus years after my youth. Hope to return to a warm climate one day… Belize perhaps?
Winter…I have a love/hate relationship with winter. I love it in December but as of January 1st it can take a hike! Here in Kansas I don’t find winter too bad other than when it get’s really cold and the wind blows. We seldom have snow on the ground. I moved here from British Columbia and lived in a little ski village where we got 40-60 feet..yet you read that right..FEET of snowfall per winter. If you don’t ski or snowmobile or snow shoe it can be hard on you but when the snow falls it’s a winter wonderland with ‘snow mushrooms’ on everything. It was seldom windy there so it was like one of those snow globes and it wasn’t unusual to wake up to 3 feet of snow or more. We shoveled our roof off 3 times one winter and the newer homes are made with 2×6’s studs instead of the regular 2×4’s to take the weight of the snow. Winter length varies but I have seen it go from early November until the last of the snow melted at the back of the house where there was no sun in June. Only once did I see that and I lived there for over 30 years. I’d love to experience a California type winter just once but I think if I lived with that all the time I’d begin to miss the seasons. So how do I feel about winter? I can live with it…for now. ;) Hope your day is a good one.
Maura :)
I have lived in SoCal my whole life so I guess I am not qualified to give my opinion but I love winters here as I don’t like too much heat. Get tired of summer real quick.
I used to love the 4 seasons but now I just want to be warm. I love the summers in Maine but when it gets cold I am ready to head south. I never thought I would be that way but it happened. I need the light. Maine winters get dark early.
Carol
I have never liked winter and being from Minnesota I have tried my hardest to like it. I tried to love cross country skiing- ice skating-snowmobiling. I dislike it all simply because I don’t like to be cold. I do much the same as you do-telling myself winter brings joy and appreciation of spring and new growth. I tell myself that a LOT in the winter :) I love the first picture in this post- the red against the crisp white of winter is stunning! So…maybe winter is beautiful in it’s own way- as long as I have a little heater by my feet :)
Hi Claudia,
Like you, I have mixed feelings about winter: it will never be my favorite season but I know I’d miss it if I lived in a warmer climate. Winter kind of gives us permission to cuddle up in a big chair and read all day in front of the fire…after all, “It’s too slippery to drive and too cold to go out unless I have to”. But Spring and summer …oh, heck, I just can’t wait!
Great post,
Cheryl
Never thhought I liked it at all…but as i have aged this is what i love…
warm wood stove. new snowfall tracks of animals in the woods to actually see where they have passed in my world. Less outdoor work to do, so i can only stitch and read inside. excuses to stay home because of the weather! by that warm wood stove!!!
Tired of it already and we have had a very mild winter so far. Nothing like usual. After Jeff and I both falling yesterday, I am so done with it. We didn’t know that we got freezing drizzle and stepped off the perch just to land on our backs. ack in the house for us! The older I get the more I dislike the winter. Pretty if you don’t have to go out. Especially when the sun shines on it though. I want sun shine.
I think I’m in the middle although when there is bone chilling cold I think of moving south. I have always lived in central Indiana. I like the change of seasons. Love hot chocolate with marshmallows and think often of buying the machine both you and Brenda use. Yum! I very much love feeding the birds in winter. I have been working away from home for years and now I am at home where I can organize and toss things out. Give away, organize and clean some more. They say it can take up to two years to get things the way you want them when you have been working away from home for years. I believe it! So very much I enjoy the way you and Brenda have set up blogging. I’m learning so much and feel like I’ve made new friends. Best to you in all your adventures.
The older I get the less I like winter and am beginning to hate snow. The only things I like is when my face gets cold as I walk in the cold and shoveling the driveway. For some sick reason, I love shoveling the driveway. Our snow melted in the warmer rains last night. Today you would not want to fly a kite, cause it would take you to the state line.Smiles to all, Susie (She Junks)
LOVE it, but then, we plow snow for a living. You’d be surprised how quickly winter flies by when you’re waiting for it to snow in order to make some money. I like to ski, skate, sled and ice fish, so it’s all good. But by spring, I’m ready for the warm weather. Winter is usually just long enough.
I love winter after a fresh snowfall. The winter season is too long. I don’t like it when it’s grey outside day after day. I hope one day to move to a milder climate, however, the weather in Michigan has been rather erratic lately. In the 50’s last week then bitter cold for a few days and now in the 40’s today.
Claudia,your home looks lovely and large from the photo on this posting. Some day I hope to have a porch like yours!
~Sandy
I was raised in Flint, Michigan, then moved to Washington State, then a winter in NY, and I’ve been in So Cal since ’71. I love rainy winters. We have rain today and it’s much needed. It gives me a chance to wear snugly scarves and all. My first winter of driving in Michigan my folks were separated, mom didn’t drive, and somebody gave us a highly used car that the heater barely worked. We had a snow day, it was coming down awful, and I insisted on going to look for a Christmas Tree. So Mom piled in the car and I headed off to the tree lot. It was so miserable, the heater wasn’t cutting it, Mom sat in the car, and I finally said I’d come back later it was so cold. Mom made me get back out and buy a tree from the poor guy! I got the tree and frost bite! I do not miss winter snow!
Love the picture of that red building! Annette T
I don’t know how I feel about winter. Winter is not bad, and I like the change of the seasons. Spring is even more wonderful, because it comes after winter.
I am a summer person. I never complain about the heat. I don’t feel good if it is cold, kind of stiff, I often have a stiff neck, tense muscles in the back, which can be painful.
If winter, there should be snow. But most of the time it is just wet and grey where I live.
I’m hoping for snow, because the landscape looks beautiful, especially when the sun shines. And playing in the snow and sledging is fun.
I have new winter tires so driving won’t be a problem at all. :-)
I’m still waiting for it to arrive. Lol! The temps seem to always be at about 80 degrees. Usually, it gets a little colder (off and on) here by January, but so far it’s just been really mild and even humid some days. Hate it. We get such long and hot summers that a little cold would be welcoming.
Kristin
I live in Canada so I don’t really have much choice, I have never known a climate without snow. As a kid I loved it, sledding, snowmen. I remember my grandmother dreading it and I could never understand why. I do now. After Christmas it can go away. Especially since we really do not get what used to be Canadian winters in my area. It is mostly cold and wet. The only good thing about it is I get a lot done inside. I have already almost finished “Spring Cleaning” and I am working on my Etsy shop and catcing up on reading (YEA) and movies. In the summer we hardly watch television and we are never actually in the house through the day. So I guess I do like winter so I can enjoy my home.
Have a lovely day,
Sue
…and I catch up on my blogging!
Sue
Hi Claudia, I actually love every season and always look forward to change. I think I love Fall the best and then Winter, because of the holidays and how cozy our home is in the winter. I like it when it begins getting dark earlier too – reason enough to slow down and get into my sweats and oversized sweaters. I love cooking savory stews and soups and eating in front of the wood stove. Hope all is well with you my friend! I’m back and hoping to begin blogging on a more regular basis. Ciao~
I LOVE Winter……..now that I live in the south!
Growing up in damp, rainy England, I found moving to New England was an improvement because most of the rain came as snow in the Winter and I loved it….for a few years! Since living here in NC for the past 30+ years, Winter has been mixed, some mild and perfect such as currently, others bitter and icy with an occasional big snowfall which shuts down the city and everyone has fun.
I much prefer Winter clothes – love coats, jackets, scarves, boots, hats and sweaters – they just seem more stylish than throwing on a cool tee and shorts/crops which is basic dress for humid Summers in the south.
I do need 4 seasons and would never live in a place like Florida. I do not like humid weather which we get here, and temps. once over 80 are hard on me…….that’s the English in me coming out!
As for San Diego, I love it there and they do seem to have a wonderful climate………….if we could afford to move there it’s at the top of the bucket list! Wanna go back Claudia!!!!?
Stay warm, don’t slip, and be careful shoveling.
Love, Mary
Winter needs to go far, far away. Like you worry for your Don, I worry for four teen and early twenties drivers. I can get anywhere in a blizzard (so can an idiot if they do twenty miles an hour, like I do), but I have no faith in their abilities. Horrible ma!
I am still having major anxiety over Picnik. I am going to have to try the other site so I can get used to it I guess. I was a little American girl who moved to Ontario at the age of nine. I loved all of that snow in the winter, but like you, I spent 14 years in Southern California and it spoiled me. Now I’m back in the south where you never know what the weather will do :)
I enjoy winter, it’s my second favorite after Fall. I do not like summer, I don’t tolerate the heat very well, makes me feel sick. I like the looks of the snow, staying inside and watching it snow. 2 things I don’t like about winter, the wind and ice. Your snow photos are nice! There is nothing more beautiful than a painting or photos of snow scenes.
You think up the best blog post topics. If I lived in that picturesque place, I think I could take any season, any time!
Brenda
I remember when I was younger I couldn’t wait for the snow! I walked almost everywhere so hazardous driving was not a problem. Then, after I married Frank loved driving in the snow and rain (why??) so he happily carted me around. Now, I’m alone and living across the street from work. I walk very, very carefully praying all the way not to slip (I have 2 knee replacements) and never seem warm enough in the winter. So, I drink Harney’s Hot Cinnamon tea and it warms me for the day! Love it! Think warm thoughts, Blessings, Linda
Hi Claudia,
I live in Mobile, Alabama where it is a balmy 75 degrees. It’s been unseasonably warm this week. I grew up in Northwest Florida. We don’t get much snow, but when it’s cold, it’s a bone chilling cold because of the dampness. I like warm weather. I lived in Costa Rica for three years and it never gets below 70 degrees there. I liked that. It’s not pretty here in the winter, just gray and damp and dreary, so I like to think about spring a lot.
I wanted to let you know that downloaded Google Chrome and I really like it. Thanks for the suggestion. Jude
Winter can be beautiful, but it lasts far too long, in my opinion. I live outside of Chicago where the ‘burbs meet the country. Summer is my fave season (I miss my veggie garden right now). But this weekend I took lots of winter photos on a rustic road to help me enjoy the snow more. If you want to see the photos, they’re at http://townandcountryliving.blogspot.com/2012/01/wintry-walk-down-pouley-road.html.
Claudia, I remember those Michigan winters growing up, and they were quite severe. They don’t get it like they used to. My family is still there, and although they get bad storms from time to time, they have had much less snow over the years.
But when we were kids? Whew! The snow was amazing!
Your photos of your home are absolutely gorgeous! And yes, the snow does look all innocent and pretty doesn’t it?
: )
Hugs,
Terri
(Living in fairly warm NC)
I have love/hate feelings for Winter.
On the plus side:flannel pj’s and sheets, warm blankets and quilts, hot soup,porridge and casseroles and cuddling a furry little dog, feeling invigorated and able to do more,knowing that by early August we will see signs of Spring.
The minus side: cold feet , coughs, colds, flu etc, less choice of fruit & vege varieties, dull days, Westerly winds & rain, and the horrific power bill that you know will arrive at the end of it.
During the Thanksgiving to NY holidays, I would love to have snow and cold weather; it really makes the holidays feel special. As for the rest of the winter, I’m contented with out “mostly mild” temps; it’s nice to be out in shorts, tshirt and flip flops piddling around the garden in mid January as I was today. Wouldn’t it be great if we could all swap homes for a bit (like timeshares) to enjoy the weather elsewhere until we tire of it and want to go back home? I’d spent Nov and Dec in Boston, then escape there again in summer when we’re dealing with 110+ and enjoy the ocean breezes! Anybody wanna trade?
One thing I didn’t mention… there’s no place in the world I’d rather be than Texas in April. The bluebonnets make up for hellish summers and fizzled out winters.
Helloooo From Wisconsin!!!
What a GREAT POST… Winter wears on me come Mid-Late January, and we STILL have almost 3 more months of this to go… It won’t be till Mid April that we see a daffodil… I long for the days with SUN – which gives me my energy… NOT HAPPY WITH THE DURATION OF WINTER HERE!*!*!
Jeanine Burkhardt
Love that first photo. You know I’m some where right in the middle about winter right now this morning. I just need to see a little sun on the snow. Trying BeFunky, but can’t get it to see my Picasa photos. And it doesn’t look easy to share back to the albums yet. Still playing, still in mourning.
I hope to never again live in a place with cold winters. I moved from Iowa to Arizona and then to California in 1990. I am a fair weather gal so here I hope to stay.
I enjoy winter and the change of seasons. I love the way the snow covers all the nooks and crannies of the gardens and trellises like icing sugar. I like the “alive” way I feel after a brisk walk outside. I like having to light a fire to keep warm. And I like being indoors with more time to read or knit without feeling guilty! But what I truly love about winter is how much the bitterly cold weather, with everything encased in ice and snow, makes me appreciate the arrival of spring.
I can really do without winter … but then it does offer some awesome photos like that barn! Wow!
I live in the White Mountains of NH and love it. There is something wonderous in each season. Since our economy is based on the Ski Industry, (almost) everyone prays for snow. A few years ago I still had snow in my yard in June! This year has been terrible- little snow but lots of slush and freezing rain. I dream of a fire in the woodstove, my 2 dachshunds curled up in front of it, and a big bizzard outside!
I long for it! Uh–I long for it when it is 100 degrees in the shade in the middle of summer! LOL I do love to watch it snow, and like you I love the sun shining on the sparkling snow. But, if I have to wear more than a sweater to keep warm, I get a bit testy when I have to go outside. If I didn’t have to go outside, the snow would be great! Unfortunately, I do have to go out, so sweater weather is my friend!