Winter


We sleep, and at length awake to the still reality of a winter morning. The snow lies warm as cotton or down upon the window-sill; the broadened sash and frosted panes admit a dim and private light, which enhances the snug cheer within. The stillness of the morning is impressive. The floor creaks under our feet as we move toward the window to look abroad through some clear space over the fields. We see the roofs stand under their snow burden. From the eaves and fences hang stalactites of snow, and in the yard stand stalagmites covering some concealed core. The trees and shrubs rear white arms to the sky on every side; and where were walls and fences, we see fantastic forms stretching in frolic gambols across the dusky landscape, as if Nature had strewn her fresh designs over the fields by night as models for man's art.

--Henry David Thoreau, "A Winter Walk" (1843)

The first day of winter. It's been snowing here for the past few days. This comes after devastating ice storm just over a week ago, a storm which caused half the state's homes and businesses to lose power for a significant time (some places still don't how electrcity).

The snow, though, so long as you don't have to travel anywhere, is quite peaceful. The above photo is from my livingroom window.

And now it's time to put another log in the stove, make some tea, and grade a few more final exams...

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