Goodbye Fall, Hello Winter

Looking out the window, I have to say we have probably seen the last of fall and will be welcoming winter snow starting tomorrow. I can't complain. Earlier this week we enjoyed sunny days of high 70's. The oak leaves outside my window that were bright and vibrant on Monday now are the muddy brown they will remain through out the winter. I am ready for the cold weather and snow. I enjoyed the mild fall we had with brilliant colors. Even enjoyed the raking of leaves this year. But now, I am ready for them to be covered up. I don't want to look outside and see the leaves on the ground reminding me of tasks left undone.

There is something freeing about the first large snowfall. It leaves the world looking pristine, a new canvas. It covers everything up as if to say "don't worry about this for the next couple of months. I can browse through gardening catalogs and have the feeling that next year will be the year my gardens will look like the pictures in the garden magazines. I forget about the weeding, the mosquitoes and bugs that are a part of gardening and instead remember the results.

Cold weather encourages curling up on the couch under a blanket, drinking hot chocolate and reading a book. It encourages us to slow down and enjoy the view, instead of thinking of all that needs to be done outside. Embrace the cold and snow. It will only be a short 4, 5 months before we are back in the hurry and bustle of cleaning up the yard and gardens.