A Real Winter

An abundance of snow and cold

As I write this post, it is 5 degrees outside, a jump from the 1 degree it was when I woke up. That’s actually warmer that what we’ve been having. Last weekend, we had a significant storm that added 11 inches on top of what we already had, creating high banks along the roads and a thick layer of snow on rooftops. Our cat Stella, who likes going outside, is bummed.

Yes, we are having a real winter here in Western Mass., certainly in comparison to what we’ve had in recent years.

Interestingly, I found the same happening when I made a very quick visit yesterday to my hometown of Fairhaven to help take care of some family stuff.

Seeing the significant snow brought me back to childhood memories of my parents creating snow sculptures in the front yard — a gigantic woman in a full gown and a whale come to mind — and sledding on Jesse Street. We had a wooden sled with metal runners, which was painted red with white lettering for our names. Mom added a name for any additions to our family. In those days, the street stayed snow-covered — no sand was used — and its slight slope made for a good slide. Dad lay on his belly on the sled. I would do the same on his back and then the rest of my siblings would pile on top of me. Down the street we went, over and over. Dad loved snow as you can see from the photo above.

I have experienced winter in different part of our country. Brutal cold in Boston. Rain in Seattle, where school was cancelled or delayed when an inch or two of snow fell. Deep snow in the middle of nowhere New Hampshire, where we lived in a cabin with an outhouse and wood stove, and no electricity.

More serious snow in Worthington, Western Mass., seen above, where we cross-country skied and snowshoed. One memorable winter an ice storm sealed the ground, and then we got pounded by snow storms. I recall taking a photo of my youngest daughter, Julia, wearing a prom dress as she stood in front of a large snowbank in May.

Surprisingly, we had snow and cold in Taos, New Mexico, but then we were at 7,000 feet.

And now in Shelburne Falls, Hank uses a snowblower to clear the driveway and I shovel the walkways and deck of snow, so dry it squeaks when I walk on it. I do get out, but this weather inspires me to stay inside to work on my writing projects. (News coming soon on that.) People keep saying, “Keep warm.”

Today is Feb. 1. I know this will change. Already, we are getting a few more minutes of daylight. Spring will eventually come. But for now, winter is here to stay. Make yourself comfortable, I say.