As is tradition, I’m covering the first snowfall! ❄
I actually saw the first flakes on Monday, but they don’t count. They were just twirling through the air and melting as soon as they touched the ground. The first real snowfall I witnessed came on Tuesday the 24th. It wasn’t much, but it was white, it covered most of the ground, and it didn’t melt away.
Temperatures have been varying between +2° to -2° for the past few weeks, so winter is definitely coming. Good thing Markus got the winter tires put on the car yesterday.
Today I woke up to this. It’s wet and mushy, but it seems to stay. It’s actually still snowing!
I’m currently stuck at home with an unusually persistent cold, so I haven’t been able to go outside to experience it. Other than stepping out the front door to take these pics I mean.
But even if I wasn’t sick I wonder how much I would go outside anyway… The truth is I’m finding it really difficult to motivate myself to go out in the forest without Zappo (my old dog, if anyone doesn’t know). And I hate that.
The only walks I take nowadays are from the parking lot to my office, and maybe a quick stroll around the centre of town. Sometimes ENTIRE WEEKENDS go by without me ever setting foot outside the house. That is not like me, that’s not who I am. I used to take multiple walks every single day, now I just feel lazy and out of shape.
I also feel so out of touch with everything…
When you walk in the woods every day you become very attuned to the nature around you. You get to see every season up close and personal. You are the first to see the ice melt, the first to notice spring flowers blossoming, and the first to find berries and mushrooms in the autumn.
Every morning I used to look outside at the weather, check the thermometer, and then take the dog out. I don’t anymore, I don’t keep track of the weather at all. This autumn complete blindsided me, and I was actually surprised when I saw the first snowflakes. Like what, it’s that cold already?
Keeping in touch with nature is so important to me (yes, I’m a total hippie) and I don’t like losing it. I need to get my shit together and get out there again.
Ok, enough of my whining. Let’s end on a positive note, it’s snowing and that’s great! I love winter!
Does anyone else have snow yet? :)
I know this feeling. I know no one will replace Zappo, but what about getting another dog to go on walks with you? I know no dog will ever be like Zappo but it would give you someone to walk with.
I’ll definitely get a new dog at some point, maybe next year even. Until then I just have to suck it up. And borrow other people’s dogs when I can :)
The photos look so lovely. I am always in awe of snow, probably because I don’t see it very often.
I hope that your cold goes away soon and you have more time to process and grieve for your beloved Zappo. It can be so awful when you loose your animal friends. Sometimes it can take years. The most important thing is to try and remember them, and you have shared many great moments and memories on your blog. <3
If you ever need someone to talk too. I'm here. :)
Photos are wonderful – thank you for sharing Karin! :)
I think we all reach this point sometimes. I know that the winter actually makes me less mindful than I usually am, not sure why! But I am actively trying to change that now :)
I hope your cold goes away soon! Sorry to hear about Zappo, always try and remember the positive times and use it as a way to move forward!
The snow looks beautiful in your area! I’m sorry you’ve lost motivation to go out without Zappos :( Being able to walk in the woods and be with nature sounds so relaxing. I hope you’ll find that spark again!
My area probably won’t get any snow, but the weather is already starting to get cold, which is nice!