Walking in a Winter Wonderland

The morning after a fresh snow fall has always been a welcome site, especially when it’s early December and the boredom of winter has yet to take hold. I don’t know if it’s the anticipation left over from school days when we’d run to the television to learn if by some chance school was closed, or if it’s the stillness and tranquility offered by the site of a fresh blanket of snow. Either way, it's always easy to wake up the morning after a snow storm. There's an indescribable beauty to it all, especially given that Christmas is right around the corner. Nothing helps usher in Christmas spirit like a harmless snow storm. I woke at 530am, just like I am supposed to. And like I do every morning, I took my vitamin and began my exercise routine of push-ups and sit-ups. Because of the fresh snow, I was doubly looking forward to my morning stroll with Ykraps. I bundled accordingly complete with snow boots, hat and gloves. Ykraps chose not to wear anything other than that which he was born with. He’s a brave soul and perhaps even a little crazy. Nonetheless, we’re a team. Soon, we were out in the elements forging a path through the snow. The sky still held a few wispy clouds, yet there were still a number of stars that managed to shine brightly above. And as I walked and gazed into the sky, I caught a glimpse of yet another shooting star plunging towards the earth. This one was bigger, brighter, and seemingly closer than others that I’ve seen. Too, this was the third one I’ve witnessed since Labor Day weekend. That’s amazing! There’s no question that I do much more star gazing than I have ever done in the past but still, seeing three of these in what amounts to three months, I consider myself blessed. Back at home the freshly brewed coffee smelt awfully good. And once in my cup and loaded down with all the fixins it tasted even better. After coffee, I spent the next ten minutes in quiet meditation, and then I took to constructing a good morning email to my honey. I knew that Mindy was hoping for a snow day, but according to the Fox 28 webpage, that wasn’t to be. There were several dozen school closings but the Southwestern City SD wasn’t one of them. Too bad, but the children need to learn! To keep my morning moving along, I eagerly went about packing my lunch and making my breakfast. After woofing down my morning eggs I headed directly for the shower. Before leaving the house, I watered the tree and played a little guitar. Once on the road it was apparent why most city schools weren’t closed. The roads were almost completely cleared and dry. Good job, Columbus! Work went well, and my lunch time run even better. It was nice running on the snow covered ground as it served as extra cushioning. It felt like 10 degrees with the wind chill (20 degrees with an 8 mph breeze). Friday runs are always nice! My afternoon went as expected and before I knew it, it was time to start my weekend. I left the office early (430pm) with the idea of completing some Christmas shopping before heading to the ODU alumni gathering at Friday’s in Mill Run. My plan worked flawlessly. I completed some shopping and made it to the gathering by 605pm. We had a good turn out too. We were missing only three others, two of whom may have shown after I left. After all, I could stay only till 700pm. I had other plans. I was going to Barley’s! I gave Mindy a call once I left the ODU gathering. She was already on her way to my home. In fact, she beat me there. She had procured a sitter so that she could join me for a relaxing evening at Barley’s. We spent about half an hour at my home prior to heading out. As everyone knows, I have certain things that absolutely have to be done before I can comfortably skip out for the evening. There was still a strong crowd at Barley’s once we arrived. In fact, it was so crowded that we had no choice but to take a seat at a bar side table (no seats at the bar -dah). Not long after we ordered a round of drinks, Bob and Mary Ann showed up. Until then, I wasn’t sure that they’d make it in. Other regulars were there too, including Josh, my guitar instructor as well as Rick. Soon, some seats at the bar opened up so Mindy and I relocated. All’s OK with the world when I find myself on a barstool at Barley’s on a Friday night. After three beers (two glasses of wine for Mindy), some delicious food, and a little social banter, we departed. We had to stop at my house to pick-up Mindy’s van then we headed to her home as our plans called for me to stay the night there. Mindy had to run her sitter home to Grove City. I stayed at her home with the children and kept the couch warm. Mindy was back after about 40 minutes. We were both tuckered not only from a long work day but from an evening of excess. We went to bed. :) Song of the Day: Winter Wonderland, artist unknown Sleigh bells ring are you listening in the lane snow is glistening A beautiful sight we're happy tonight walking in a winter wonderland Gone away is the bluebird here to stay is a new bird He sings a love song as we go along walking in a winter wonderland In the meadow we can build a snowman Then pretend that he is Parson Brown He'll say: Are you married? we'll say: No man But you can do the job when you're in town Later on we'll conspire as we dream by the fire To face unafraid the plans that we've made walking in a winter wonderland In the meadow we can build a snowman and pretend that he's a circus clown We'll have lots of fun with mister snowman until the alligators knock him down When it snows ain't it thrilling Though your nose gets a chilling We'll frolic and play the Eskimo way walking in a winter wonderland Walking in a winter wonderland walking in a winter wonderland