cold

this morning was the first time this season i went for a bike ride and found my fingers frozen by the time i arrived home. getting the key out of my pocket and into the keyhole was no small task. i unwrapped my bike shoes from under their neoprene layer and stepped out of them. the blood returning into my feet brought both joy and pain. same for my hands. i put on a cozy fleece and stretched in front of the christmas tree. as i started the shower i realized i was colder than when i had initially entered the house. the hot water was so welcome as i stepped under the stream; this, december 18, is the first really cold sunday of the year.

last year the pond was frozen solid and we skated on christmas day as flurries fluttered down. jim and colee hosted a little get together yesterday and we saw the first snowflakes of december (not of the season, of course, fall's snow came in october, remember) outside. every time jimnerd looked toward the window and said "man, it is really coming down out there", i bought it. hook, line, and sinker. i am a child when it comes to snow. i want it to pile up and make everything silent and beautiful. i want to wake to only the sound of birds chirping, their songs crisp and clear as only on a snowy morning. i will wear my pajamas inside out just to bring the snow. if only it were that easy.

alas, it will be warm again this week, but maybe we will see a few more flakes blowing around once christmas gets here. i am hoping for it. i know it isn't quite winter yet but the little bit we saw yesterday brought back the spirit that i had all the way back on halloween weekend; that childish longing for piles of snow to play in, hot chocolate to come inside to, and the hope of doing it all again tomorrow. tis the season.