Monday, November 18, 2013

Winter for KA




I think that there should be special cameras made for folks who reside in the north. Where is the setting you turn it to when you look out and let a holler rip because you are blinded by white? My two year old informed me today that her "eyes were breaking" as the sunlight glinted off the snow and knocked her one straight in the peepers. Next to the big 'A' for auto, 'M' for manual, I wish there was a 'C' for cold. I don't think any kind of photo can convey the cold in a proper manner. Unless you feel yourself reaching for a hot cup of coffee, to pour on your toes, then you aren't catching what I'm laying down.

A friend wanted me to send pictures of the blizzard that reigned down on Saturday. Oy veh! Don't you know I can't see across the yard for the swirling snow? How does the rule of thirds apply to an entire canvas painted in white? 

"Let's drive around and see how much snow they got at such & such place," said every farmer in the country. "A drift? It's minus twenty five? I drive a dodge! We haven't been out for a month, but today is a great day to visit neighbours!'

The best bet is to wait until the day after the onslaught. Sure, what's a bit of ice fog to slow a picture taker down? What, you can't see half a mile down the road?  Neither can I! Let's hope that the neighbour doesn't hit the crazy momma standing out in the middle of the road snapping photos to let you in on the beauty of the great white north. This is why I wear neon pink muck boots, gentle readers.


We have had snow on the ground for awhile now.  I hadn't put much thought into it until I saw various photos of places south of the border showing off brilliant colours of leaves on the ground, or people talking about wearing chunky sweaters and boots, all this pumpkin latte blah, blah. Yes, I like the chunky sweaters too, just please give me a winter parka over top and I think there might be some leaves under the drifts that dollop the landscape like whipped cream. Pumpkin lattes? Puh-lease. Black coffee and maple syrup (straight from the tree.)


Despite my arms burning with chillblains, I better open them wide and welcome winter in. Eight months of the year is too long to be grumpy about something, so today I'll choose to look out the window and remark how the sight of sparkling white is about the prettiest one I've seen. Heaven knows the Littles will mimic whatever dear ol' ma says, and cuss words don't appeal to me much from the mouth of a child. 

Come on in, Winter! We won't fuss and whine like a two year old.

( Or at least until March. )




23 comments:

LindaG said...

People who have not lived in 'white-out' conditions just don't understand.
Hubby and I spent 3 wonderful years in Alaska. Near Fairbanks.
I remember white-outs; and throwing hot coffee in the air and watching it disintegrate.
I remember the blindingly bright sun, too; even if it was only for a few hours a day.

Have a wonderful week and stay warm! ♥

Pom Pom said...

Wow, Cheyenne! I think it sounds romantic because my grandparents told me of the North Dakota and Minnesota snows of their childhoods. I know it's hard, though. Thank you for giving us a glimpse. I will hold your family in my prayers, for warmth and endurance. YOU are such a good writer, my dear.

Grace @ Sense and Simplicity said...

I didn't realize you had that much snow. You sure have to be tough to live in Alberta. Is that ice fog in the second photo down. I've never seen it, but my brother told me about it in Winnipeg. I think it sounds rather pretty as it sparkles in the sun, doesn't it?

basebell6 said...

Your snow is gorgeous!

Lynda Halliger Otvos (Lynda M O) said...

Unbelievable-I remember from my childhood in rural Pennsylvania where Geo Washington nearly lost an entire army to the snow but I left that in 1972 and have not missed one iota of it. I have so much respect for those of you who can drive in this stuff, and build homes that protect you from it and enjoy playing in it. You all just keep on living like you say, "Eight moths is too long to grump." Wow, I love your blog and your attitudes are the best. You're so right, the Littles will mimic what you do and you do a great job with them.

Unknown said...

Ha ha ha only the hardiest of souls wear hot pink muck boots!!!!! Great for the hubby to pull you out of the snow bank with!!!

Unknown said...

Ha ha ha onky the hardiest of souls wear pink muck boots!! Look great with alberta lingerie (carharts)!!

Nell said...

Brrrr! I'm cold just looking at those pictures. It turns my stomach because I know that we're living on borrowed time with the dirt still showing around here. I haven't prepared my mind for the long winter ahead, and it's going to come back to bite me.

Anonymous said...

Ok yeah we must get together - first I get so tired of hearing people complain about winter already - so with you - in March I get it, but it's just too many months long to start complaining now!! Also love the black coffee bit with maple syrup - I myself have never tried syrup in my coffee but am intrigued! I am a strong, black coffee girl - nothing fancy, smancy for me - if I want a treat I go to Timmy's and get a double, double - yeah I'm wild like that!!

Vicky said...

So few times that someone else "gets it." I too, want to love the white and sparkle from sunshine you can see but won't feel anytime soon. I keep trying, but its true the grey drags me under often, and the cold numbs and blinds and then I'm "diving" under and yes, there is always the hope of March…

LeAnna said...

B-b-b-brrrr! Coffee and mollasses is right! Ya'll are made of steel. Or maybe you're as cold as steel right now? Looks pretty from my computer screen. Hope you have a roaring fire to enjoy!

Lindsay said...

Oh, it looks bitter cold in those pretty pics! It has been so extra warm and beautiful down here (not to rub it in or anything) and yet I caught myself humming "Let it Snow" while cutting out ornaments yesterday (wearing a short sleeved Tshirt nonetheless!) Oh, for shame!
Bundle up and keep warm up there! And safe, in your pretty pink Muck boots! :)

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

WOW!! already!!... but oh, it is beautiful. Minus the chill factor... that would wear on me more than a bit. I want to go grab my barn coat just looking at your photos.

And seriously.. do you put maple syrup in your coffee?

Jaimi_C said...

You are definitely the better woman to "welcome" winter ;) I look at these pictures and shiver because I know what days like these feel like, and I know they're headed our way soon. Hang in there and stay warm!

Steph said...

Um, it was 70 here today. But...it might be 40 on Sunday!!! Must go clean out the stores of milk and bread!

Gumbo Lily said...

Oh brrrr! At least you can still see some of the fence posts! We're bracing up for some cold days now too. We had a few lovely days and now cold and wind and just a wee bit of snow. Winter is long here, but yours is longer, I'm sure. Drink up that hot coffee.

Lizzie said...

Love your pictures!! :)

Anonymous said...

Cheyenne! I must say that these pictures, no matter how chilly they make me feel, are beautiful! While winter is not the favorite season of many, it gives us a chance to snuggle, bury ourselves in blankets, brave the cold and make a big production out of bundling up. I am beginning to like the season more and more; it gives us a chance to catch up with our "togetherness" and take things a little slower.

Have a wonderful rest of the week!

Jessy

Katie Olthoff said...

LOVE your descriptions of the cold - but it's SO beautiful!

Unknown said...

It may be cold and the snow may seem endless after a long winter but the photos are gorgeous! Happy weekend.

Libbie said...

I don't live as far north as you but I love the picture you painted & I LOVED the clause at the end...about March :) Sooooo trUe Cheyenne! Hope that sweet little family of yours is all nestled in tight for the winter & that you get to enjoy every ray of sun that comes your way :)

Shirley said...

There is always beauty if you have the eye to behold it.... that is, if your eye isn't frozen shut!

TexWisGirl said...

living where you do, might as well enjoy it. (as i cough, cough). :)

actually, i kinda feel the same way about texas summers. :)

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