I awoke this morning and looked out the dining room to see the snow that had fallen overnight. Along with the snow a buzzing blizzard like north wind. The first snow brings with her a tradition with our family. Well, actually the tradition does not include my entire family. It only includes me.
When I was growing up my winters were spent outdoors almost as much as indoors. As a kid, winter just wasn't winter without sledding and ice skating. I remember staying outside sledding beyond the daylight hours. I'd come in occasionally to warm up and allow my wet clothes to dry next to the heat vents. I'd anxiously await them to dry so that I could head back out and play in the snow. There were igloos to build and snowmen to create not to mention the sled riding. I could hear the kids down the street laughing and playing as I waited for my snow gear to dry.
When it got really, really cold, below freezing my dad would ask if I wanted to go ice skating. I'd call a friend, and we'd pick her up and head outside of town. We had a membership to a local rural lake community that had several large lakes. One lake was the perfect size for skating. I remember like yesterday how my dad would be the first to walk on the glassy surface. He immediately headed to the middle of the lake, ax in hand. He chipped away the ice to determine it was thick enough to skate on. Once he yelled the okay we'd put on our skates and head out on the icy lake. My dad was an expert ice skater. I remember watching in awe as he skated gracefully backwards to and fro. I could never skate backwards. The sounds of the popping ice echoed through the countryside as we skated along.
I guess those sweet memories helped create my tradition.
For the past 24 years or so and since we've lived atop the hill and when the first snow falls. I dig out my sled from under the porch and take a few swipes down our Walnut hill. Here's the really cool part about this story. I have my original sled that Santa brought be when I was a little girl. I must have been around 6 or so when I got the sled. It's been through a many sled rides. Back then the hill was named Truman. Lennis has had to make repairs on the sled, but the bones are still very much in sledding form.
That picture is from a couple of years ago. Lily went sledding with me that snowy winter day. I really miss that little girl! Now we have a new pups, Elle. I'm anxious to see how she reacts to the racing sled. Lily used to chase me all the way to the bottom of the hill. Did I tell you I wax my sled blades?
I believe the wind is calming. There's a spitting snow falling outside my kitchen window. I'm getting my insides warm with a hot cup of coffee. Wondering how many layers I'll need to stay warm enough for two or three rides.
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!
Be careful out there and enjoy a caring and sharing holiday season.
Warmly,
Jill 00
