Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

When I was a child if you had asked me my favourite season I would have said winter without hesitation. Winter was about snow forts, snowmen, sledding, board games, parties, Christmas, skating, skiing, sleigh rides, hot chocolate, watching movies, riding my horse through fluffy snow bareback, and Christmas, which I said but deserves to be in the list twice... or more. So many of my best memories were winter memories (that may have to do with the fact that for at least half of my childhood it was probably winter).

Somewhere along the line it is expected you stop liking winter. And that is understandable because as an adult you have so many extra things to do during the winter that aren't exactly "fun".

Like sweeping/scraping and warming up the vehicle before you go anywhere.

Or spending 30 minutes bundling your children up to play outside for 5 minutes.

And then there is the never ending shoveling...

I also have a few extra chores that include packing water to my goats.

(Lucy and Susan appreciate it though)

 And bringing in the wood.

 But even after all this extra work not to mention the cold and road conditions, I still love winter. It may not be my "favourite" season anymore but I just can't hate it like most. I may be done with it by March or concerned when it shows up in September but I live in the North. I choose to live here so I choose to love the snow. I love coming in from outside to a roaring fire. I enjoy seeing my children having fun and building fond memories like mine.

I love knowing that the snow is protecting the plants from winter kill and doing more for replenishing the water table than the rain we get does.

And I love stopping and simply enjoying how the bare, lifeless looking trees become beautiful again.

When it is night and the only light is from the moon are the glow from my yard light or house I enjoy entering into what can only be described as magical realm. I don't possess a camera that can capture it but it is amazing to be outside in my yard at night. The snow sparkles in the dim light and the snow covered trees create a place that seems hidden from the rest of the world. I always take a moment while outside at night and simply soak up the beauty.

That is what winter is for me.