Winter's Sad Goodbye

Although the snow continues to fall, I think snowman season is just about over. I have to say, it was a good year. I've never had quite so much fun with snow people as I did this winter. I'm almost disappointed to see it go. Almost.

Some winters come with an abundance of wet, packy snow and others, like this one, come with a ferocious cold that keeps the snow powdery until it gets old and turns icy. This was a frigid winter with only a handful of days warm enough to pack a snowball.

Next week's temper- atures are expected to rise into the balmy 40's. Of course the snow won't melt overnight, and saying goodbye to heaps of snow at the end of a long cold winter isn't really too difficult. Even Frosty couldn't be around forever.

Winter may not be the favored season of many, but it has a beauty all its own if only we'll take the time to see. I can't help but recall the excitement of childhood when those first flakes of the season signaled winter's arrival. I don't ever want to lose that feeling and get lost in the drudgery of what can otherwise be just cold, gray, dirty, and depressing.

Bring on the birds and squirrels. Heap up the snowbanks! Get out your toboggans! Dig yourself a snow fort! Traipse through the woods in snow up to your knees! Catch those snowflakes on your tongue! Breathe the frosty air and freeze your nose shut! Lace up your skates! Grab your snow shovel! And don't forget to build a snowman!