In my curation travels, I have come again to enjoy the different seasons that are happening in places I get to visit across the planet via the blockchain. Made me think again about winter like this shot of my backyard shows.
I have heard it said that you can choose not to enjoy winter. That will leave you with the same amount of winter, and less joy. It certainly goes when you choose to live in a northern country like Canada. My little dood doesn't seem to mind it and chooses to have fun bouncing around in the snow.
He actually hasn't hesitated to plunge out the back door into the white stuff or even slow down after an hour at the happiest place on earth. The dog park (aka dogwars) is a wonderland of woods to search for rabbits, trails to run and other dogs to wrestle. This was never my department but this winter I have taken up the mantle. At least an hour a day walking around the park so he can get his exercise and have the time of his life.
It definitely has been a strange winter here. Generally, we get a dusting in early December as a warning for the season to come. Then, we watch the forecast a few weeks wondering whether or not it will be a white Christmas. These holidays, there was no doubt as the press used words like snowmageddon and such to prepare us for the huge dump we god a few days before Christmas. It was fantastic as the family travel plans were put on hold and we happily hibernated a few days through the 25th. So quiet and uneventful as most things ground to a halt.
One of the neat things was getting the snow blower out, and have my little one give it a try! I am so hoping she liked it enough to do it again next big snowfall!
Another blessing that comes packaged with winter is hockey! It usually starts skating on ponds, playing with friends or even joining a league as a kid. That pure youthful enjoyment is the essence of the game even when we are watching some of the men's team play. A fast-paced spectacle that even boasts the occasional fight has everyone into the game. Seeing the kids show up sporting their team jerseys, reaching as far as they can for a high-5 from the players as they leave the ice, and cheering for the home team just brings a smile to your face.
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The driving can get a little goofy at times. I never let it slow me down as slow and steady even in the worst of conditions is manageable with a good set of snow tires and a 4wd car. Did you know you get a discount on your car insurance up here if you put snow tires on in the winter? Makes sense as they will lead to less accidents when you have the control. Also makes it so that the insurance companies can deny your claim if you don't put them on!
Snowplows like this one are handy for clearing the roads and also for plowing in the end of your damn driveway!
Stopping at some of the summer spots like the golf and country club make for a very different energy. Few cars in the driveway. Nobody teeing off. All the patio furniture stowed for the winter. Still very beautiful and serene as you listen to the wind blow and the greenery take a nap for a few months.
It may seem like a long while away now but summer always returns. We will have green grass, leaves on the trees, golf and the warm sun in the blue sky. If it were not for winter, we might not appreciate the summer near as much. If it were not for the summer, the bright and barren winter activities might not seem so special.
I choose joy in the winter, otherwise, I might decide to buy myself a tropical property!