snow... again... REALLY!

Snow started falling last night as we slept under a cover of quiet darkness and warming quilts. Another snowy day greets us as we awaken.  Already we notice a fresh 5 inch pristine white frosting layer covering the 2 feet from the northeaster of last week.  A steady wind sends it to the ground at a 45 degree angle and sometimes curling puffs of frosty funnels can be seen near the ground.
The bird feeder out back is set up high but the drifted snow level now hovers just a few inches below. I see the mockingbird in the holly bush pulling off the fruit with her beak, sending wrens, much smaller, to the far arborvitae.   The quick flutter of her wings and strong flick of her tail assures her lone ownership of the bright red berries, at least for now.   Our cardinal couple visit when the rest are gone, seemingly enjoying a private solitude and still skittish when others approach or a stronger gust sends the feeder spinning. This winter has seen the usual visiting group, those already mentioned along with titmouse, nuthatches, chickadee, sparrow, woodpeckers, and of course the blue-jays and crows bully their way in at times. A squirrel contingency of 4 make a daily stop by, knocking seed to the ground and chewing at the suet for sustenance.  They are not to be denied, we gave up on that years ago. 

It's a day to make a hearty soup and bake fresh bread.
A good time to burrow beneath a woolly throw blanket and start a new book in front of the fireplace.
Or pull out the colorful seed catalogs and sip a mug of hot chocolate.

I've already sent the snowy proof via email and video to the "southern" grandchildren...wishing they could share in the wonder and beauty.  (We'll push away any thoughts of shoveling, snowplows, ice, and cabin fever, at least for today.)

Right now I'm thankful for the front row seat to one of nature's most beautiful performances and the wonderful warmth of radiant heat at my feet.