Remembering with gratitude

Well, here we are. The holidays are over, but winter remains.

 

The good news is, we are headed in the right direction. Internet sources say our region will gain 53 minutes of daytime from the beginning to the end of the month–although still ahead of us are the seven days which are typically the coldest of the year, “the bottom of winter,” the third week of January. But that’s based on averages, and this winter seems guaranteed not to conform to anything typical.

 

I’m always saying I like roller coaster rides, but I’m not so fond of the temperature roller coaster which takes us above freezing and then back down under it, leaving ice in its wake–speaking of which, I would like to express my thanks and admiration to those people and businesses who make a point of keeping their sidewalks clean and safe, despite all the effort and frustrations it must cost. When even the roads are full of bumpy ice, it’s like coming to safe haven when a sidewalk is reliably clear.

 

With winter winds and snow outside, it’s fun to realize that we’ve come to the time of year when greenhouse owners are making their selections for this summer’s produce and flowers. It brings me great pleasure to think of the retail greenhouse owners I’ve interviewed over time, all looking attentively through the various types of catalogs available these days–everything from printed paper to intuitive websites that remember purchases from previous years and offer insights into this year’s selections.

 

Some of them will be attending one of a few national conferences held in early to mid February to further inform their selections.

 

Me, I simply remember with gratitude the opportunities to walk among freshly growing, thriving young plants while the sun beams through the transparent walls and roof, creating an artificial summer even while there is snow on the ground outside. I am talking about times when I was visiting as a reporter, after the seeds had been planted and were beginning to grow, but were still far from ready to be available for purchase.

 

As I say, caught in the depth of winter as we are, it’s pleasant to think of these bright spots.

Before I sound too much like I’m wishing the months away, I should mention some of winter’s gifts. 

 

One is solitude–I believe I’ve mentioned before how pleasant it is to know, on a stormy day, that expectations are suspended. Others would be disappointed–or even upset-if we ventured out, placing ourselves at risk and possibly leading to harm for anyone who came to help us.

 

Another is beauty. Sunshine on fresh snow. Lacy hoarfrost adorning everything from blades of grass to whole forests. The light of a silver moon drawing glowing lines across the fields. Homes and buildings draped in white blankets. Colorful birds silhouetted from behind. Tree branches outlined in a way that helps us appreciate their complexity and strength.

 

The holidays bring us the gifts of fellowship. Unlike summer gatherings when everyone scatters, get-togethers in cold weather impose companionship. Pushed together, we have the chance to reminisce about the ties that bring us together.

 

Appreciation. It feels so very good to step inside a warm building and close the door on the cold and wind outside.