When it Snows: a World so Beautiful, Covered in White

When it snows, my world is hushed, blanketed in white. It could be a dusting, or the dense stuff that’s perfect for snowmen and snowball fights, or over a foot of ice and snow that lingers for weeks of freezing temperatures. Waking up to a winter wonderland is a delight! During an unseasonably cold November, school children dream of snow days. Teaches who don’t want to make up lost days in June might welcome a white Christmas. In late February, when the browns, greys, and blacks of winter could use a bit of a refresh, fluffy white snow does the trick.

Don’t get me wrong – in the Midwest there’s no shortage of color during winter months. You’ll see a hundred shades of brown, from sepia to chestnut, cinnamon to chocolate, umber, tan, and mahogany. Burnt sienna anchors the landscape, hazel clings to the trees, and fawn… well young deer have the market on that one! There’s also the bright red of winter berries, patches of mossy green, and the stunning pinks, oranges, reds, and yellows of a sunset, low in the sky.

I go to bed hearing raindrops on the roof and windowpanes. I awaken to soft flurries that build into snowdrifts and there’s a comforting feeling that makes me want to snuggle deeper under the covers with my partner, pets, and a heated blanket. If it’s a weekend snowstorm there’s no alarm clock to wake me up. But I can’t resist going out to explore! I want to see how the snow transforms my backyard, neighborhood, the nearby river, and the park, full of wildlife. It’s just stunning, as you can see!

This winter, Central Ohio was hit with a big snowstorm that blanketed the whole city over a couple of days. There was easily 14 inches of snow! Kids were let loose to explore and fall in love with winter. The Midwest is equipped to respond quickly to snow-covered roads, especially when the storm is anticipated, but making the highways and side streets safe takes time. I live in Sharon Township, just between Clintonville and Worthington, OH. We have our own township snow plows, which clear the local roads long before the city of Columbus has a chance to clear the main roads.

Of course, essential workers made their way to work, to support and serve the community. Thank you for that – we’d be lost without you! I worked from home, per usual, and some neighbors made it to High Street, saw the road conditions, and turned right back around. I lost count of how many walks I took over the next 3 – 4 days. I was outside every chance I got, camera in hand.

The Bald Eagles down by the Olentangy River, about where my street dead ends, were unbothered by the extreme weather. Look at how easy it is to spot their enormous nest, amongst all that white snow! This spring we suspect they have eggs in the nest – the pair seem to be taking turns in the next, with one of the two always snuggled down.

We’ll be keeping an eye on these beautiful creatures!

I’ve written about my adventures hiking in the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks, throughout December, January, and February. It’s nature immersion and the blanket of snow adds another layer of beauty, challenge, and delight to our hikes. Feel free to check out those blogs.

Why We Walk: for Community, for Longevity, and for Peace

Just Don’t Touch My Snacks: This Trash Panda is Welcome at Metro Parks Winter Hikes

Home Sweet Home: One of my favorite places to explore in the snow is my own front and backyard. I’m also a fan of experiencing spring blooms, not knowing exactly what will come up each year, summer harvests from my vegetable and herb garden, and the the leaves that fall from our Catalpa tree in autumn. I love my home!

It’s a beautiful thing – I watch the snow fall, while drinking my coffee, from the sunroom, living room, bedroom, or my home office. The birds that we’ve made such an effort to attract provide endless entertainment for humans and cats alike. We call filling the bird feeders ‘paying the cable bill,” which provides hours of programming on ‘Cat TV’. Especially in the winter, the local wildlife depends on us. There’s no reason that the feeders can’t be artistic and pretty. One is made of mosaic glass that the squirrels enjoy climbing inside or hanging upside-down to reach the seed.

Garden sculptures look charming when they are covered in snow, so we don’t pack those away for the cold season. We’ve been known to light a fire in the winter, so the firepit and Adirondack chairs remain accessible. We can gage the amount of snowfall based on what accumulates on our patio furniture. This winter I learned that when 14 inches of snow falls it’s important to find a broom to brush the snow off of the bushes in front of the house so they keep their structure.

Although they are known to rush through open doorways, our cats aren’t inclined to dive headfirst into 14 inches of snow. They have experienced snow, which they didn’t enjoy. They are content to watch from inside, glancing back at me with puzzled looks when I show them what’s happening outside.

Nature is art. Finding yourself in nature is art. Exploring nature is art. Experiencing nature is art. Admiring nature is art. Photographing nature is art. Closing your eyes and breathing in nature is art. I implore you to get out there and enjoy nature – as art! Keep scrolling and see for yourself!