Amid mounds of glistening snow and icy sheets that glaze driveways and roads, I choose to walk. I’m sure heat worshippers think I’m crazy! It’s that I simply enjoy the crisp cold air, inhaling the freshness. This energizes me and reminds me that I’m alive! Everything is clearer and crisp. Distant white capped mountains stretch in the distance as the dazzling trees are dressed in bridal whites. Fiery sunsets paint the sky with rich peaches and promising pinks, an amazing accompaniment to this white world surrounding me.
While walking in winter, I spy animal tracks winding in yards and spiraling into the mysterious woods. Curiously I attempt to break the code and discover which animal had tread there. Deer? A fox? Possibly it’s a little white ermine such as the one that’s living in our yard and sometimes in the attic.
Cars race by, slipping in the snow. Even bulky trucks barrel on this quiet country road, as fuel deliveries are being made to stoke people’s furnaces.
I slip on a pair of mittens and comfy hat. Then pull on fuzzy socks and laced up boots. A parka is zipped up. Sometimes a woolen scarf wraps me in like a present. My house key lay buried in my pocket. I’m on my way…walking down the hill towards the bustling town and then up another winding slope to my road. Months ago this walk exhausted me. It left me gasping for air and I had to intermittently stop to regain my raspy breath. Since I’ve exercised mostly every day and mastered this walk, I no longer stop. My strides are longer, more fluid and my breathing healthy and not rushed.
I do not walk during snow storms per my husbands sage advice. Plow trucks take much of the road. Cars slip and slide, sending slush and snow at any passer by. Ice patches are hidden by white cover, easy slipping conditions.
I don’t really think during these treks. Instead I notice my surroundings, the houses, the cars and the animals tracks. I breathe deeply. I exhale warm puffs. As I approach my little house, the grayish column of smoke twists up from the chimney. I can already feel the houses warmth. As soon as I jingle the key in the lock and thrust open the barrier, a sultry heat wallops my face. Instant comfort. Our black cat, Smokey, saunters to the entry and greets me with his mewing and rub up against my frigid legs.
I hear the stove crackle as I tear off my wintry layers. This completes the winter walk experience and I sigh with a happiness, a general contentment that I live in New England and actually thrive because of it. I was born of strong stock, of Vermont families that have lived and loved the winter. So I continue the tradition and always wish to do so.
Have you walked in a winter landscape lately? Do you have a habit of walking and noticing every little detail of your surroundings?
All My Best,
Heart and Soul 💜
Beautifully written Mary!
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Thank you, Jodi! I had fun writing it.💜😇
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Oh that’s awesome you get out to enjoy nature and congrats on recognizing your improvements!
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Hi AJ, thanks for your support! How was your weekend?😃❤️
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It was great:)
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There’s a lot to be said about winter walks. I love them and get out every day of the year. My clothing changes a lot for the seasons though!
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Terry, lately it’s been too icy and stormy for me to walk…I miss it. I hope I can restart soon! Yes, I walk all year round and the clothing definitely changes too!😃
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It’s icy here too. A pair of YakTrax on my boots solves that.
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Oh I need to get some of those! Great idea!
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I enjoyed this and it reminds me of what it is like here in Alaska.!
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Thank you for your nice comment and for stopping by! Yes, I would imagine Alaska is a lot like New Hampshire! Someday my husband wished for us to vacation there!😊
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Wow you do have snow! More on the way not sure about your area for me less than 6″ if any.
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We got about six inches last night and today. My husband must be tired of plowing and shoveling but he never complains.
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I only shoveled my small deck really just pushed the shovel to the edge 🙂
I used to work 16 to 18 hr then come home to a mess I do not miss those days this tractor is a godsend but I was out a total of 5 hours today and we only got 6″ I think photos in next post 🙂
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I don’t have to shovel as Tom does it all. I’m so blessed! Thank goodness for your tractor!😃🌈
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I had to get one with him having a pacemaker and and almost losing him 3 times this I can do myself just dress warm 🙂
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You too! Enjoy the Super Bowl! Go Pats!🏈
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You too and it will be feeling like summer 🙂
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It is good to have men who don’t complain not much we can do with winter unless we move to the hurricane states. 😦
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He has an assistant road agent job for the town as well as multiple driveways, much work all winter. I guess all the snow fills his wallet!😀
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It sure will!
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I’m going to have to learn to walk in a snowy environment now that we moved to an area where snow is more common. What boots do you recommend? Do you ever use snowshoes? Dear fell flat on his back the other day when he walked to the mail box and hit some ice under the snow. Yikes. Great post and glad you can enjoy walks in the snow.
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Hi Ellen, to start get some good winter boots with a good tread. L L Bean sells great ones, just a thought. I use snowshoes too, it can be difficult in lots of snow especially if it’s icy and crusted. Oh no, your poor husband! Maybe have him sand often, especially around the mailbox and a path to the house. Thanks for stopping by and good luck with the snow!😃❤️
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