“You can’t get too much winter in the winter.”
Robert Frost, poet
We’re in the second week of January, and we have settled in for a long cold winter. Temperatures have dropped below zero and the river has started to freeze over. We haven’t had much in the way of snow accumulation yet, but I’m sure it’s coming any day now.
We have been enjoying daily bald eagle sightings, and once in a while they stop by for a bite to eat!
“Winter is not a season, it’s an occupation.”
Sinclair Lewis, author
Although winter is not my favorite season, I still enjoy it. I am retired from the work force; and this aspect, alone, enables me to see winter in a newfound whimsical light.
So let’s just say, snow removal is our full time job in the winter! My husband runs the snow plow and snow thrower. I do the shoveling. It’s great exercise and fun to get out in the fresh air.
The key is to dress warmly. Goose down hooded parkas and super insulated boots are essential when dealing with the freezing cold air. I keep my hands toasty warm with vintage leather and fur-lined mittens from my good friend, Liz. I won’t shovel without them!
My husband swears by wearing long underwear under his clothing, but that is a little too warm for me.
“While I relish our warm months, winter forms our character and brings out our best.”
Tom Allen, author and politician
One thing I love about wintertime here in the north country is that it seems to be the season of helping each other out. Winter storms seem to bring people together.
People help strangers navigate icy sidewalks and parking lots. We help shovel sidewalks for the elderly, and people who are sick with the flu or Covid.
We are on the lookout for lost pets and put out food for birds, squirrels, rabbits and fox.
This is a photo of our neighbor, Doug, helping my husband out when his truck was stuck in snow and ice on our steep driveway.
It is the life of the crystal, the architect of the flake, the fire of the frost, the soul of the sunbeam. This crisp winter air is full of it.
John Burroughs, author
The flu season coupled with surging Covid cases has not squelched my appreciation for winter! It’s time to get out and enjoy some of my favorite winter activities.
We’ll take our daily walks and marvel at winter’s crystalline beauty. We will find a day when the wind isn’t howling and build a crackling campfire.
We’ve also been known to make a snowman or two. We even made an attempt at a snow sculpture of a large ship, which turned out to be a colossal blob of snow!
And of course, it almost goes without saying – WINE!
Winter doesn’t stop me from enjoying myself. I hope you are enjoying it, as well.
Thank you for reading! – Barb, the River Blogger (Btrb)
Feel free to reblog anything I post. I welcome all comments and discussion.
The River Blogger 
I found Loki. Please tell him I would like to see more of him! XOX Xena Schnauzer Warrior Princess
Will do! Xoxo, Loki
I am really enjoying your blogs, Barb. After living in Florida for 31 years, I didn’t realize I missed winter so much until I read your description of our beautiful winter season. And you are right on with the chicken soup. Keep the stories coming. Thanks!
Thank you Marge! Ask me how much I love winter in a few weeks. I assure you I will not be so enamored with it by then! Last night it was minus 20! Today we have a high of 2 degrees! I bet you don’t miss the cold temps!
I miss the big snow storms we used to have in Maine. Waking up to a foot or two wasn’t unusual…. now? We get a few inches, it melts and then freezes to solid ice. Too many temperature fluctuations.
🙁
We really don’t get as much snow as we used to, either.
Beautiful place
I used to hate winter, but as I get older, it’s starting to become my favorite season.
I’m liking winter a lot more now! It’s a winter wonderland here in the north country of New York State! 👍🏼
Another wonderful blog – so beautifully written it makes me homesick for those beautiful winter days.
Fantastic
Excellent
Bald Eagles, what a blessing!
Thank you!
Joanna