First Winter Snow

The first snowfall of winter came the night before last. We woke up to a blanket of white sparkling snow, and the soft powder continued to fall until late in the afternoon. There is something beautiful about fresh snowfall that hushes the noise of the world and brings a serene calm. Night-time is suddenly brighter and more peaceful. It is as if nature stops it's frantic preparation for winter and settles into the surrounding quiet. One can almost hear the quiet. The landscape is swept clean, dark corners are brightened, and dirt is covered with a shiny new skin.

Sasha and Gabby love snow almost as much as they love water at the river or lake. They scamper around happily, pouncing on the white powder and burying their noses in it. The brisk air and cold, wet snow between their toes fills them with a dizzying energy that causes them to chase each other until they can hardly take another step. Here they are this morning ~ I was able to keep them still long enough to snap a picture! You can see how Sasha earned her nickname: Sasha Snowbeard.

Gabby sniffs the air.

Our snowy house this morning, not long after the sun came up.

Outside my office building yesterday morning.