12/7/2025
The snow has melted, and there are only small patches to remind me of whiter days! But the good news is that more is expected, so I have something to anticipate for the morning. I love snowy days when I used to drag my rocking chair in front of the wood stove, smell the wonderful scent of pinon burning on the fire, and sip on my coffee quietly enjoying a peaceful day. I looked forward to shoveling a path in the snow, and making a snowman was one of my favorite things to do. That and make snow cream. The air was much cleaner way back then. Life was simpler, and in many ways, sweeter. Sometimes I would dance in the snow with my best buddy, Kenya, the neighbor's malamute. I think she loved it as much as I did, frolicking in the snow.
This morning I braved the cold and the mud, as I made my way to church services. This is the season of Christmas carols, pageants, and musicals. My church was hosting a cookie back off this evening with lots of hot cocoa and cider, plus a movie. It sounded like so much fun, but these ole bones were not up for an out of doors event, even with fire pits and loads of blankets. I know my limitations these days, so I stay home where it's warmer. My daughter called, and we planned to watch a couple of the Alf episodes, she on her end of the phone and I on mine. I even made myself a cup of homemade hot cocoa, but no marshmallows.
Most people, I imagine, have been out this afternoon buying gifts and making plans for Christmas to visit their families near and far. I had hoped to make a trip back to the southwest, but things just haven't worked out since I moved back here. I can't stand the thought of never seeing my beloved New Mexico again, so I won't give up the hope. Sipapu is open and very busy, and the ski and snowboard season looks very promising. I remember my last year at Angel Fire Resort when we were not getting the snow we needed, and how sad it was without the big snow dumps. Sometimes I'd walk across the grounds from where I was living, trudging through the knee deep snow, sometimes higher. But I loved it. As long as I was bundled up, I was in heaven. Working at the resort was hard work, but it was also great fun, as the tourists returned each season, faithful ones who always came back each year. My favorite hiding place was either Red River or Sipapu which are smaller areas, and it was easy just to be invisible and blend into nature. How I miss the freedom of hopping into my car and winding up the pass to spend quiet time alone in the hills, or walking along the streams. I'd rather be outside than huddled in a cabin, but even in the night listening to the sounds was sheer delight.
I didn't have a cell phone or a computer then, so the phone didn't make as many ding-dings, and people didn't have white do-dads hanging out their ears as they walked along looking as if they were talking to themselves, sometimes laughing loudly to give the thought more credence. I remember my cross country trips when the kids were little without a cell phone or GPS to guide my way. I used triptiks from AAA or used the atlas to help me route the way. I checked in with a family member within a given time frame each day, and the trip had been planned well in advanced so the route was known. If there were any course corrections, I'd let someone know. I didn't worry about someone stealing my car or worse. We'd be careful to get to a hotel before dark, because it was common sense with three small children, driving alone. The family called me a pioneer and thought I was brave, perhaps reckless, but I wasn't afraid. Even when I was attacked in my own yard one evening when the kids were young, I still went out at night or whenever I needed to. I couldn't yield to fear, because I had others to care for, and I had work to do and school classes to attend. So many years have passed now, and I'm not as quick to hit the road, and I have only myself to consider now. Funny how things change.
Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening
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