snow

I am not ready for winter

Audio Podcast 5 minutes

I woke this morning with the temperature in the forties. It is cloudy and gloomy outside and appears to be that way all day. Gloomy days always bring back vivid memories of when I was stationed in Nuremberg, Germany, while in the army. During that time of about nine months, most of the days were characterized by an overcast sky and the constant presence of clouds looming above me. The damp chill in the air would seep into my bones, making each day feel longer than the last. Being from Colorado, where the sun shines nearly 300 days out of the year, was a large adjustment for me to be in an area that experiences such a high number of gray and dreary days. I often found myself longing for the warmth of the sun on my skin and the brilliant blue skies that I had taken for granted. Each overcast morning reminded me of the stark contrast to my vibrant home state, and I’d catch myself reminiscing about enjoying the mountains or lounging outdoors soaking in the sun.

The leaves are on their full-time effort to cover the yards and streets with colorful bounty, creating a brilliant tapestry of reds, yellows, and oranges that captivate the senses, while they flutter gently down from their branches like nature’s confetti, eagerly emptying the trees before the first snow settles in. As they gather on the ground, they form soft, crunchable carpets that invite children to jump in and adults to take leisurely strolls, all the while signaling the transition from the warmth of autumn to the crisp chill of winter that lies just around the corner.

The first freeze normally occurs around the middle of October, and one must remember to turn off the water to the outside valves and drain the pipes and hoses to prevent any unwanted damage. With the changing seasons, it’s also a good time to check on other outdoor supplies and preparations. I recently checked my ice melt container, and to my dismay, during the summer it melded into one big rock, compacted and solidified by the heat. Now I must go buy some more ice melt or figure out how to get the rock out of the container and break it up into a usable size. This little predicament has got me pondering about the best approach; perhaps I could use a hammer or a chisel, but that sounds labor-intensive. I predict I will take the easy way and go buy some more, as it would save me time and effort, allowing me to focus on the other tasks that come with preparing for the winter months ahead.

One happy part is the homeowner association does the snow removal, and that saves me from all that cold and heavy work that often comes with winter. At our former home, which was situated on the corner of a busy intersection, we had a gigantic driveway that could have easily accommodated six or more cars. Every snowstorm turned into quite the labor-intensive affair, and it would take me two hours or more to tackle the daunting task of snow removal by hand. The heavy lifting and the chilly breeze blasting against my face truly made it an exhausting chore. Now, I find great relief in knowing that I no longer have to brave the elements, especially during those harsh winter months. Retiring does have advantages; I can now spend my time enjoying cozy evenings by the fireplace, sipping hot cocoa, and relishing the peacefulness of not having to shovel snow.

Many times, during my forty plus years of employment, I had to fight the snow, crazy drivers, and the stress of getting to work on time, navigating through treacherous weather conditions that tested my patience and endurance. Each winter brought its own set of challenges, from shoveling the driveway in the early dawn to encountering reckless drivers who seemed oblivious to the icy roads. I vividly remember the anxiety of being late and the constant rush to meet deadlines, which added an extra layer of tension to an already hectic morning routine. I remember one time during a storm my relief could not make it to work and since we had some equipment that could not be left unattended, I had to stay. That 8-hour shift turned into an 18-hour shift. Now that I’ve moved on, I do not miss this one bit, as I cherish the freedom to enjoy my mornings without the dread of battling the elements or the chaos of rush hour traffic.

The good thing to remember is that in only six months, spring will be here, bringing with it a sense of renewal and joy. As the days grow longer and temperatures begin to rise, we will be able to reminisce about how we not only survived another winter but also found ways to thrive through the cold and darkness. We will look back on cozy evenings spent by the fireplace, the laughter shared with friends and family, and the resilience we discovered within ourselves during those challenging months. Soon, the vibrant colors of blooming flowers and the sweet melodies of birds returning will serve as beautiful reminders of the promise that comes with the changing of the seasons, inviting us to embrace life once again.

From the Snowmans perspective.


Audio PODCAST LINK

In the deep silence of a frosty winter night, I awakened to the sensation of being. My first memory was of the cold, the crisp, biting chill that somehow felt like home. I was a snowman, crafted with care and love, standing in the heart of a quaint little garden that sparkled under the moonlight.

From my vantage point, I could see the world in a way few others could. My eyes, two shiny black buttons, caught the gleam of stars and the distant lights from the houses. My carrot nose pointed toward the sky, snuffling in the icy air, while my mouth, a crooked line of pebbles, seemed to smile despite the cold.

The first morning was magical. The sun rose, casting a golden glow across the landscape, turning the frost into a million tiny prisms. Children, bundled in their colorful winter gear, rushed out to greet me. Their laughter was like music, their shouts of joy as they circled me, a symphony of delight. I felt a deep sense of pride, knowing I was the centerpiece of their winter wonderland.

Days passed, each with its own rhythm and beauty. The children would come daily, sometimes adding more to my form – a scarf here, a hat there, making me feel even more part of their world. They’d talk to me, share secrets, and even tell stories, as if I were an old friend. I listened, or rather, I absorbed their words, their warmth.

But with joy came the understanding of my ephemeral nature. I watched as the sun climbed higher each day, its warmth beginning to nibble at my edges. My arms, once sturdy branches, started to droop, and my body slowly lost its crisp outline. Snowflakes that once made me would melt, seeping into the ground, returning to the cycle from which they came.

The children noticed too. Their faces grew solemn as they realized what was happening. They tried to rebuild me with fresh snow, but it was like fighting the inevitable march of time. One evening, as the sun set, painting the sky in hues of pink and orange, they gathered around me for what I knew would be the last time.

They spoke of next winter, of another snowman, but their voices were tinged with sorrow. I felt a pang, not of fear, for I knew I was but a part of the season, but of love for these fleeting moments we shared.

As night fell, I felt my form softening, my vision blurring until the world was nothing but a soft, white blur. In those final moments, I reflected on the beauty of existing, even if only for a brief while. I was a guardian of their winter memories, a friend who stood tall in the cold, a symbol of joy in the heart of winter.

And then, with the quiet dignity of winter’s end, I returned to the earth, my essence mingling with the ground, waiting, perhaps, for another winter to come when I might rise again, to laugh with the children, to stand once more under the vast, starry sky.

Ramblings Magazine Issue #6 podcast

Podcast LINK

Hard copy LINK

Hello Ramblings Magazine reader Welcome!

This is a podcast of the sixth issue of Ramblings Magazine.

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The Headings are:

Happenings plus time equals your life.

It will not happen in my life.

Computers and internet.

February 7, 2023.

Time for Spring.

M and M’s.

My interests have changed.

Amazing news.

My dream came true.

King for a day.

Remembering my parents.

I am just a mere mortal.

Patriotism.

A gift of life.

I do not have a favorite shoe.

A three-letter middle name.

100 years ago.

I am addicted to computers and the internet.

I survived the March 14 record snowstorm.

I am ready for spring.

Easter thoughts.

Retirement years.

The necessities of starting the day.

A dog, cat, or what?

Just be myself.

Hormones in high school.

X, formerly twitter and their grok feature.

Photo memories.

That’s it for this issue. Hope to see you next issue

Have a nice day!

Fifteen Years

I have received notice from WordPress that I have been on this site for fifteen years.

Where does the time go?

PODCASTS

BOOKS

Fall is Here

podcast audio

This morning was the first time the furnace went on early in the morning. The low temperature was forty-four degrees. For the last four-five months we are accustomed to sleeping with only a light sheet over us and the ceiling fan on low. Last night, no ceiling fan and a light comforter. Looking across the street I can see that the neighbors leaves on their trees are starting to turn yellow. The bees were not out this morning. You could see that the flowers are making their last stand before the first freeze. Time to start harvesting the flower seeds for next spring planting.

I am not ready for cold weather. As I age the winters are becoming harder to endure. I like to be outside as long as I am not cold and uncomfortable. Since I have been prescribed blood thinners, I get cold very easy. I easily acquire cabin fever. The cold winters months are hard on me staying inside and hoping for an early spring. Thinking about the high cost of utility bills depresses me. The H O A provides snow removal, at least I don’t have to do that unless the snow is under three inches. Driving on slippery streets is dangerous and stressful. Is it spring yet?

So, what can I do about it? Well, we could move to Pheonix like many of our neighbors. Thought about that, but family trumps that. All our family is less than fifty miles away from where we live now and that is the deciding factor of not moving. Therefore, what is left? The thing that I do best, moan and groan and complain about it to anyone that will listen. Oh, I will probably live through winter, and I will think. It really wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be.

Have a nice day.

Cold Weather

I was born and raised in cold weather. The day I was born the weather was in the middle twenties. Denver metro has cold weather from October to March every year. In January there is usually a couple of episodes of below zero weather. That is when it is really cold.

When in grade school I remember walking to school, which was about ten blocks away, in cold snowy, blowing snowstorms. They didn’t have school bus service for public grade schools in those days. The cold and snow were just something you had to deal with. The coldest and most miserable was when I was in the army stationed in Nurenburg Germany in the winter of 1965. That was cold! Plus, you had to be out in the cold making sure the equipment was still operating.

I didn’t pay much attention to the weather until I started to become older. The older I get the more I think about cold weather. It has been over fifteen years since I have retired and now I do not like cold weather. No wonder older citizens move to a warmer climate when they get older.

BRRRRR!!!!!!

Daily writing prompt
How do you feel about cold weather?
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I Survived the March 14 Record Snowstorm

For three days the news media has concentrated on the gigantic storm coming to Denver metro area. It finally started to rain last afternoon and turned to snow sometime during the night. Woke up with five inches of snow this morning. Some foothill locations got forty inches. During the day the lights flickered occasionally but never went out. However, there were reports that around 50,000 were without power due to broken trees taking out power lines.

We live in a community of forty-four homes and the HOA handles snow removal and received an email that snow removal will be done after the snow stops. Well, it has been snowing all day and I hope there is not a medical emergency in the circle. There have been very few auto tracks on the street, and I don’t know if a fire truck or ambulance could navigate the amount of snow on the streets. plus, none of the driveways or walks are cleaned. Wonder if someone has a medical emergency and emergency treatment cannot get in, can the HOA be sued for neglect of duty? Since this post was started Thursday night I will finish it Friday.

Here it is Friday morning, no power outages, no fallen trees or branches. We still are snowed in though. The HOA crew has not done a thing on the snow removal. I have thirteen inches of snow on the front porch. The city did plow down the middle of the street. However, that leaves a twenty-four-inch pile of snow in front of the driveway. No way could I drive over or through that pile. I am over eighty and no way can I remove that pile of heavy wet snow. I guess I am snowbound for a while.