Snow Day

Tucked in to my friend's house, I watch the snow fall first lightly and then with more force, and the piles of snow rise from one inch to two to five. I shovel off the deck, clear the walkway and the end of the driveway where the City snowplow piled up the excess snow.  Then I don my layers and walk for hours in the area, passing small farms and lost in my pure enjoyment of the play of light through the trees, offering occasional views of the surrounding Catskills.  All the while, the snow continues to fall softly, caressing my shoulders like a gentle lover.  The quiet stillness whispers and the peace that blankets the landscapes soothes my soul as well.