Winter Wonders

Another Snow Day!! Winter is a wonderful time to dis-connect from the larger world, the hustle and bustle and just snuggle in for a day or two of hibernation. What a gift a snow day can be! This year we've been gifted with several already - so much for global warming - we've had more snow in NH this year than in the past several combined I think!

As soon as the call came in from the school district that we are off today we all breathed a sigh and rolled over for a good two hours of extra sleep. Snuggling under a warm comforter, all cozy with the kitty, my son James didn't emerge until about 10 and neither did I. By then there were at least 6 inches on the ground already.

Snow Days give us the chance to get outside, to get some great exercise and fresh air. There's nothing like an hour of shoveling to heat you up and make you feel truly, vibrantly alive. We all come in from a great workout - noses red and dripping, hair all sweaty, cheeks bright and shiny with the glow of good hard physical labor. Then it's "Mom, can we have some hot cocoa?" Not the package mix kind for my family - oh no - they like it home made - warm milk in a pan on the stove with some Nestle's Quik or if I"m feeling particularly adventurous we melt Baker's Semi-Sweet in the pan with the milk until the steam is rising and the milk is just under the boiling point. MMmmmm the house smells great and our bellies feel warm and completely satisfied.

Then it's movie or reading time - we like to use a snow day to really, deeply relax. No agendas, except of course the two or three visits outdoors to continue the cleanup process. While we wait for the accumulation we cuddle up on the couch in front of the fire with good books or great movies. Sometimes we cook up a big pot of fresh, hot chicken or vegetable soup. Sometimes we get really motivated and make a batch of homemade cookies or break out the brownie box for some serious comfort food.

What a magical time to unplug, to bond and to deeply relax and enjoy each other. Bring on the Snow Days!