Snow Day Top Ten

Out of the bosom of the Air,

Out of the cloud-folds of her garments shaken,

Over the woodlands brown and bare,

Over the harvest-fields forsaken,

Silent, and soft, and slow Descends the snow.

-Henry Wadsworth Longfellow-

This past Saturday brought with it the first snow of the season (a little ahead of schedule). Here are my Top Ten reasons why I love snow days:10. The Quiet. I love waking up the morning after it's been snowing all night and opening the front door to hear...nothing. The sounds of cars and people seem muffled and distant. Maybe it is because people are staying in and not getting out in the cold, or maybe the snow acts as a buffer to some of the noise. Whatever it is, I love it.
9. Any Hot Drink. Coffee, hot chocolate, hot cider, hot tea: they are a wonderful way to warm up from the inside out!
8. A Fire. There is just something magical about sitting in front of a crackling fire. Even though our gas fireplace doesn't crackle, it is still mesmerizing and heats up the entire downstairs in minutes. I can stare into a fire for an absurdly long time and just zone out.
7. Warm Hats, Mittens, and Scarves. Normally, I'm not big on getting out in the cold (unless it is to ski). I would really prefer to stay inside and look out the window. However, there are times when I must abandon my comfort to walk the dogs or play with Ella in the snow. And when I do, I want to be cozy and warm with these accessories.

6. Mood Lightener. I remember when I spent my first winter in Colorado, and I assumed that the locals probably got bored/irritated with the snow early on. Boy was I wrong. Whenever I run errands and snow is on the ground or in the forecast there is just a contained excitement in the air. Snow wreaks havoc on John's job, and he dreads constantly checking the road conditions for Wyoming, Utah and Colorado. I feel like a traitor for getting such a childish thrill out of the snow when it is so hard on John's job. But I can't help it! I still think this might be a conditioned response dating back to my high school/college days when inclement weather of any kind canceled tennis practice. Ha!
5. Paper Snowflakes. Ella is really into art right now and loves anything to do with paint, glue, or scissors. We've recently taught her how to fold and cut snowflakes, and now she asks to do them every day. And since she's not too coordinated with the scissors, we end up making them mostly by ourselves. It really was fun the first time or two. But by the 5th, 6th, and 7th time....we were thinking that we might have dug our own grave :)

4. Living Vicariously Through Ella (and our dogs). Ella loves snow, and I really get a kick out of witnessing her joy. Whether it is building a snowman, throwing snowballs, or making snow-angels: it always feels like I'm experiencing it all over again for the first time. And something about the coldness and texture of the snow takes years off our dogs. They act like different dogs with a ton of energy and friskiness. It is hilarious. 3. Curling Up With a Good Book. My favorite place to read is in our love-seat in front of a window overlooking the front yard (if town homes have a front yard). Like rain, snow creates this calming atmosphere just perfect for reading. So when I put Ella down for a nap I hurry downstairs, flip the switch for the fireplace, wrap a quilt around me, and open the current book I am reading. Sometimes my attention is torn between the book and the snow falling outside the window. Like a fireplace, falling snow can be an intoxicating distraction.
2. Chili or Soup. For some reason my mind has made a mental attachment to cold weather and soup (or chili). On Saturday we enjoyed Frito Chili Pie for lunch. It was heavenly.

1. Staying in Pajamas All Day. Even if we step out to play in the snow for a while, we usually change back into flannel pajama bottoms afterward. Maybe it is because I indulge in Frito Chili Pie and Hot Chocolate and need an elastic waistband all day. Or maybe it is because it is so conducive to jumping right back in bed at any time of the day. Either way it just feels right.


*What I don't love about snow days: icy roads and the slushy muddy mess after it melts.