Looking Out the Window

What's that song about, "What a difference a day makes, 24 little hours...."?

Indeed.

Day before yesterday we almost broke the temperature record as local temps were hovering near 50 degrees. I, as many others, were outside with just light jackets or sweaters. It was sweet.

Then the sweetness broke as they began forecasting that a storm was brewing and we would be getting some snow. No, not just some snow! Depending on which meteorologist you were listening to, or watching, they predicted anywhere from 12 inches down to 4. The inches that were to fall were sometimes highly exaggerated or sometimes nil. This morning, the snow on the patio deck at our house appears to be about 6".

Of course, it could be a different story at your house. Whichever way the wind blows.

I thought maybe the school day would be delayed or cancelled, but it turned out that it was not as bad as they had expected and/or anticipated. Kids always expect, adults always anticipate, or is it the other way around? Nonetheless, this morning I got a bit of exercise and fresh air when I was out helping shovel the fluffy white stuff.

I sure was happy that I didn't have to venture out past my front driveway in this first winter's snow. I did what I needed to do outdoors and came back to my warm house. I watched the cardinals swooping around the trees in search of food. They always come around when we have heavy snow, that red against the bright white is always a beautiful vision. Very serene.

I am counting this as another perk of being retired. That is, from my window I am able to watch the snow blow around, or I can help with snow shoveling(no more slacking!); then I can come back indoors or venture out later in the day. It's my choosing. Today I can say yes to going out, or yes to staying in. These are choices I didn't have when I was seated at my desk looking out of the office window wondering what the world was doing when I didn't have a choice.