Winter In Virginia

When I first moved here back in July, I asked someone, "Does it snow here a lot in the winter?"

Their answer: "No, not really. I think last year it snowed. . . maybe. . . seven times, or so."

I'm sorry. Come again?

Well, if that's the measuring stick for judging snowfall, then no, it doesn't snow here a lot. But let me tell you, from this deep-South, born-in-Shreveport gal, it snows here a lot. A whole lot. In fact, I've lost count of how many times it has snowed.

Most of the time, the snow doesn't stick--which is a mystery to me. I thought if it was below freezing, snow always stuck. Well, no, that's not the case.

Often, the snow will drift down lightly as I'm walking into Bible study. Or cooking dinner. Or coming home from the grocery store. Just a light dusting, flurrying down, dancing along the streets.

As I did with summer and fall, I have found winter in Virginia to be breathtaking. I was so sad when the leaves fell; and yet, their departure unveiled a new beauty. The wrinkles and folds of the mountains--the snow resting on their peaks. It's a beauty I've only ever known in pictures. And now, I look out of my dining room window over five mountain peaks covered in snow.

We've only had a couple big snows, where we can't leave the house. It's wonderful. We stay in our jammies all day, watch way too much television, and venture out (only once, usually) to play in the snow. Nathan doesn't feel the cold. I promise. I've never known another human being who just did not feel the cold. He would play out in the snow for hours. Little brother, on the other hand, lasts until his first fall. Then, there's tears. And sniffles. And pathetic cries and looks that say, "Hey, mom, are you crazy? I'm 13 months old. Take me inside!"

I'm even getting used to driving in the snow!

A little.

Okay, only a very little.

I am ready for spring to come warm us up. It does get very, very cold here in the winter. There have even been several days where it has been colder here than where my sister lives--in Anchorage, Alaska! Yike-a-rooskies, folks. Put on your mittens.

Maybe it's the beauty of the snow. Maybe it's the majesty of the white mountains. Maybe it's this slower pace--this quieter life--that I've found here in Virginia. I'm not sure which.

But it's magical here. In winter. In the bitterly cold. I'm so very happy God has put us here for residency.