Whether to Fret the Weather

December has been a most irregular month. One never knows how much to believe the forecasts. The month began with almost daily snow falls. Not alot. But enough to shovel on a regular basis. It seemed the early forecast of a green Christmas here was surely mistaken. Then it warmed up. Oh nothing to warrant a return to summer clothes. But the snow melted and the lawns were green again. Ah, but the days were dreary for the most part. The wind was bone-chilling. There was even some rain, some ice pellets, enough to keep one inside. 

But looking out the window, bald eagles circled close to the house. A red-tailed hawk flew by our deck. Three loons swam close to our shore. A fluffy grey squirrel scampered across the deck railing.

And then Christmas Eve was here at last. Friends and family gathered around the table for tourtiere and other festive delights. And then, like magic, overnight the snow came. Yes. A Christmas snow that fell steadily, but gently all day and into the night. It was picture postcard perfect. The white blanketed the village. The streets were covered. The trees and shrubs laden. The sound was of silence. It was a delight. 

Although it is now warming moderately and briefly once again, there is still a pristine white covering the ground. And today there is blue sky and sunshine. Just a day. But enough to make one forget for the moment that winter is long, dark and oppressive.

Tomorrow they call for freezing rain, then rain. Messy. Treacherous. No doubt a day to stay inside by the fire. A day to look out the window and take in nature's
offering.