Farewell to Winter

Hello! How is everyone today? Today is April 21, and we are finally getting spring! Yesterday, our temperature went up to 21 Degrees Celsius. It's been so nice, FINALLY!  It has been a really, really long winter.

One week ago, we got our last snowfall, and it was so beautiful! There's something about a spring snowfall that's much different than your typical snowfall in January. The snow is heavier and just sits on the trees, like a thick coating on fried chicken.

If I had kids, it would have been perfect for a snowman, or a snowball fight.  It was really quite magical. I love this quote that describes so perfectly the magical world of a snow-covered landscape. :

the first fall of snow is not only an event, but it is a magical event. You go to bed in one kind of world, and wake up in another quite different, and if this is not enchantment, then where is it to be found? 

J.B. Priestly  

Four weeks ago, I came home after school on Friday to this scene:

And who could resist the graceful lines of these graceful branches below? I am not sure what type of trees they are. If anyone has an opinion, I would love to hear it.   The fresh soft hard snow creates a new world. The spring snow is a different snow, warming the air and covering the ground like a cozy blanket. 

And a walk to the lake was a black and white world, with the black branches a perfect contrast to the pure snow.  Thoreau said this about the stark silhouettes of winter:

Nature now, like an athlete, begins to strip herself in earnest for her contest with her great antagonist Winter. In the bare trees and twigs what a display of muscle.  

Henry David Thoreau 

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Well, I guess this post has turned into a good-bye to winter. You were beautiful, but we must make room for the spring. But in your season, we learned to be patient and to endure. Your lingering taught us that we can endure longer than we thought we could. Your harshness taught us to take extra good care of each other.  And your monotony taught us that we are more capable of entertaining ourselves that we believed. Farewell, and let us now move quickly to summer. But don't worry, we will welcome you back next year.

I encourage you to get outside this week and discover your spring. Studies show that we only need 5-10 minutes exposure of sunlight 2-3 times a week on bare skin to get enough Vitamin D for our bodies' needs. Did you know Vitamin D is considered a factor in helping us with insulin regulation, and preventing diabetes?

Dear Reader, I would love to hear about what kind of weather you are enjoying in your area. Please comment with your area, and the weather. And please feel free to leave a comment on the blog on whatever topic you like.. I would absolutely love to hear from you.

Love Sharilee. Hey thanks so much for reading. I would love to hear your comments and input in the space below. Also, if you like what you are reading, sign up through my Facebook page. or receive posts by e-mail byjoining here