Another weekend of sunshine here in the high desert of Northwestern Nevada. Bright blue skies have confused even the birds. A new nest has appeared on the back porch behind the garden Buddha that sits on a high shelf. With his little smiling face, he is laughing at the notion that this is winter. I, myself, am relieved the weather’s not worse while also wishing (just a little) it was.
I must say I did enjoy tackling the snow storm back in December. Hoping to get a little more winter driving practice of the snowy kind, I keep checking the forecasts for the next two weeks, but, nothing is coming. Days and days of nice weather are forecast. No winds. No hail. No snow.
The local lake, which dried to a little puddle last summer, is again filling. The melt from the December storm is making its way down the Eastern Sierra’s to the lake. Each time I drive by on my way to Walmart of the East, it’s shores have expanded. With any luck at all, it’ll be back to normal, providing a place for us desert folk to camp, fish, and water ski.
Longing to enjoy a little more of the winter season, I remember the days of teaching 3rd grade. After a few snow days, Valentine’s Day was notice that the year would quickly be over. In a flurry of test preparation, testing, and recovery from the test, there was one long celebration of Valentine Presidents Breaking for Spring and Memorializing the year. Just that fast, all the holidays were gone like the wintery snow and summer vacation appeared. I’m glad retirement doesn’t speed along that fast.
With social media, politics, and Covid, we all need the simplicity of a snowflake to side track us for a bit. Today, the news reported a law change that will only require a high school diploma to be a substitute in our Nevada schools. So very sad those are the skills lawmakers think necessary to substitute a class of children. In this crazy age of senselessness, the children are the ones that are being short changed every day. Kids and their teachers need a few more snow days to gather thoughts about school these days. It’s not what it was in the 1900’s.
Looking out on the back yard, there are so many projects that are awaiting real springtime. Although the sky is bright blue, the air is cold and crisp. The mornings find Oliver’s stainless water bowl frozen solid. It’s cold enough to snow, it just hasn’t.
Ace, feeling sorry for me as I whined about the cold temperatures during Sunday worship services, bought me the most beautiful full length goose-down winter coat. A pretty navy color with a fur-lined hood, it hangs by the front door ready for real winter to show up. It looks a little silly to head out the door prepared for a snow storm when the temperatures have been soaring to the 50’s in the sunshine. My new coat will need to wait a little longer to get every-day use.
Feeling out of shape, I could do some jumping jacks which resemble upright snow angels while requiring more energy. There is absolutely nothing prohibiting me from resuming a walking schedule at this point. Pondering the subject of winter activities, a better idea comes to mind. I’ll get a head start on my summer tan with afternoon soaks in the hot tub while awaiting the next storm. Bright desert sunshine equals lots of essential Vitamin D and beautiful skin. Win-Win!!
Thank goodness the Winter Olympics will be televised next week. Ignoring the obvious political discourse and propaganda associated with the games, I’m going to enjoy watching athletes achieve their dreams in a winter wonderland with the sound turned off. I’ll even sit through a few rounds of curling. I sure hope China has some snow to show us on television as we watch those downhill racers give it their all. Go USA.
If you are already sick of your snow, I apologize. Spring is just a few weeks away for us all. Everyone has a favorite time of year. Winter has never been mine, but a little snow would remind me of the season we are really experiencing right now. January couldn’t even call herself normal this year. Crazy is the new normal. I guess that fits the world these days.
More tomorrow.