With all the talk, all the complaints, if we all open our minds and our hearts to the wonders of the seasons we should give thanks. For those of us who are experiencing the snows and the cold, only a glance out our windows finds us in a fairyland of nature-decorated trees - trees coated with glistening ice like a fairyland, and snow still white against a bright blue sky — with sunshine often glinting on the icy branches. Open your eyes, really stop for long moments and be in awe of the wonders your eyes are seeing. “Beautiful” does not fully describe it. Yes, we have to get out sometimes — and it is inconvenient and worse for travellers and workers, but in free time a walk in the snow in one of the forests we have nearby, leaving no tracks but our boots — as deer come close to observe these strange beings who are enjoying what they think as their own homes, staring at your in wonder. Your heart almost stops - the joy that seems to permeate our beings less and less in real life suddenly becomes alive and well. Our world - in my case, snow-filled, is there for those who have eyes to see it. It is an ode to impermanence as all things are. What do they say? “We should stop to smell the flowers”, isn’t that it? Isn’t it time that we stop seething over what nature has wrought and accept? But far more than that, put the annoyances aside as what good do they do anyhow? - and, perhaps for a moment, SEE the world before us as the winter landscape meant to stun us with its beauty. This too shall pass — but for the moment, nature has given us the beauty of the seasons, and you - like I - will find the fires in the heart over these sights can carry you far. It is all in how you look at life — and this is my way . . . and the world is wonderful! Joan

I live in Las Vegas so, of course, I love winter!! I can’t stand the heat - so hot you walk outside and can’t get your breath - like sticking your head in an oven. It is so good to feel the cold crisp air and take a deep breath. I’m sure most of you heard about our snow storms of last week. They actually gave the kids a snow day because there was the POSSIBILITY of 10” that day. Being from Wyoming where we had snow days for good reason this blew my mind. The kids all had a great time all over time playing in the snow and it was a nice holiday thing for them. There is still snow on the mountains and it is beautiful to see. I love winter foods and clothes much more also.

The end of it. I long for spring! I love spring, summer and fall…but dread winter each year. I used to be one of those people who insisted “I just HAVE to live where there are SEASONS!” I’m over it. Oh, yeah, it was 8 degrees here last night, but at least we have no snow! Thank goodness for that!

The best part of winter is good English Tea and a good book. Garden catalogs and paint chips for repainting a room. Friends over for pot luck and wine. Or, French Onion Soup/crunchy baguettes and a good red French. Good music on the Sony. A glowing fireplace putting warmth into the room. Wearing warm soft sweaters and big fuzzy socks.

Winter is almost my favorite season. (Of course I love them all) It is so quiet, cold, white, peaceful….cold. LOL Northern Mn can dip to -40. Each winter one would think it was our first……we are in awe of the snow and the cold. A nice cup of homemade squash soup on a cold winter night…ahhhh nothing better.

I love warm, cozy sweaters and thick fuzzy socks and sitting inside with hot chocolate and a good book. I also enjoy the chance to hibernate a little bit. I have always imagined living somewhere like California as having to be “on” all the time. If the sun is always shining and the weather is beautiful, when do people get a chance to cozy up? However, the worst part of winter, for me, is worrying about my girls out on the roads and worrying about my mother stuck in the house getting depressed or going out and slipping or something.

The SNOW!!! Except from skiing, I absolutely love the snow! If it’s cold, it might as well be beautiful and white:)

I love California in the winter when the sun is shining and the air is crisp. I love it when it rains, keep warm with tea and enjoy relaxing. With the rain there is hope the wildflowers in spring will be abundant. Went Saturday to Joshua Tree National Park, where it snowed. Beautiful, took a lot of photos.