Two snowstorms in a week, each worth about six inches;  lots of shoveling, scraping icy windshields, slipping around on snow-packed roads, and putting a couple hundred miles of wear on my tires trying to get up my driveway.  Battery chargers and jumper cables,   snow-frosted dogs,  and many pairs of wet socks.  And a windchill that would freeze the balls off of a brass bedstead.    The sun peeks out and the snow melts, even though the temperature is still in single digits.  About 3 pm the sun starts to hide behind Pikes Peak and everything re-freezes, turning the streets and sidewalks into ice rinks.  Little kids who think the snow is so pretty and want to play in it and make snowmen in it later have tears and red noses and blue lips and frozey toes and wet little icy hands.  Hot chocolate, peppermint tea, popcorn, sugar cookies with butter cream frosting, and a warm MamaCharlie quilt go a long way to balance it all. 

Even though we chose this location partially because we wanted snow and seasons and stuff, I still think back to the Christmases in California and Arizona where no snow found us.  Back to the Christmas of 1972 when a neighbor created a beautiful snowman out of tumbleweeds.  In California we had little sleds with wheels for our downhill adventures.  And no snow.

So...whether you are snowbound or in milder climes, please have a MERRY CHRISTMAS and stay warm...or cool...or dry...just be comfortable and enjoy the season.  If you get a chance, spare a thought for all those young men and women who stand watch to keep us safe;  whether they are overseas or closer by, they serve so we can have all wonderful celebrations.  And thank you all for your readership and comments and encouragement;  you brighten my life and enhance my perspective.