MY FIRST SNOW

When the first real snow arrives, it is always a bit of a surprise and shock. Preparation starts weeks in advance with winter tires, buying the salt and putting the shovels and snow blower where they can be retrieved easily. The scarves, mitts and hats are in the front hall closet and the boots are by the the door. Physically we are ready, but emotionally it takes it toll. Adults think of all the hazzle of getting around in the winter. Children want to play in the snow. Explore! Mess up the clean paths! Make a snowman! Of course, there are many parts of Canada that have had their first snow weeks ago. For us in the GTA-Greater Toronto Area- the end of November or first week of December is usually the norm. The snow often does not stay. So the ugly Fall brown is in our face!
For those that want to ski or snowboard there are areas not far away where it can occur! Sledding is always fun! There is a small hill by the Richmond Hill Central Library-just a little dusting and it is full of children and adults sliding down! Funny with all the technology and computer savy kids- sliding down a hill is as much fun in 2013 as it was 200 years ago! The white stuff brings out the kid in many of us- as long as we do not have to drive in it! One of my favourite things about the snow is looking down a street at night with some snow and Christmas lights shining! It makes such a Christmas card scene! No matter what the end of fall and start of winter is occuring! As Canadians the white stuff is part of our conscienceness! I know many snowbirds head south to avoid it! Good for them! For most of us, finding a way to accept it and actually enjoy it can be an annual challenge! Luckily, as a grandparent  I dress warmly and frolic in the snow with my grandchildren! If being outside is not your thing, a hot beverage of choice sitting by a window reading a book and observing the outside works just as well! What does the word snow evoke in you?

FALL-A TIME OF PREPARATION

It's a Canadian tradition to perserve food for the winter. For generations, women would make jams, jellies and pickles for use throughout the winter months. My mother would freeze veggies and place them in a large chest freezer. Farms had cold cellars. Our family cottage still has the original cold cellar. Winter is often seen as a time to endure. Extra wood is chopped in many country homes for use throughout the season. New snow tires may be bought. Check the battery in the car. Organzie the snow shovels or make sure the snow blower is functional. Have some salt on hand. Where are the scarves, mitts and hats? It is funny how we prepare for winter but anticipate spring. Winter always seems like more of a hardship. As the fall leaves continue to trickle down making a mess, there continues to be work. They make a bed on the gardens protecting the bulbs underneath. Cleaning up the outside, emptying the garage for the cars, and cleaning the furnance-replacing the air filter keeps the house cleaner- are some of the many tasks we continue to do. Perhaps we do not mind the first snowfall afterall as it means we are ready! However, lately the weather has been good so fall can hang around for as long as it wants. Still prefer to wear my running shoes when walking! Fall keeps us busy-no wonder most of us feel so tired!