Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Aaaaa It's Snowing

In Portland, any time it snows the city is sent into a panic and basically shuts down. We get so little snow during the course of the year that we don't have the huge fleets of equipment to clear and sand (we don't use salt on our roads). Frankly, the snow doesn't usually last long enough for that type of Herculean effort to be necessary.

So what we do is run away from work, jam the streets like a frozen parking lot and spin tires. Since I have been working (and I use the term lightly at this time of year) from home. I didn't have any place to drive to or from. I put a jacket on my big headed dog, grabbed my son and went for a walk through the falling snow. It was wonderful. Played like a kid one eighth my age (yes, I'm that old).

Mrs. Monkey Man, however, wasn't that lucky. While she only works three miles from home, traffic was a bitch and after for 45 minutes and progressing a mere mile and a half, parked her car and walked the rest of the way.

I met her halfway with a heavier coat and a warm hand to hold. Our walk home was delightful. There is a walking path in a green space near our neighborhood that was a winter wonderland. Snow still falling and creaking under our feet as we walked. It was peaceful and romantic. The stillness and quiet that comes with snow enhanced the whole experience.

Even though it was almost six o'clock in the evening when we got home, it was as bright as midday outside. It was quite surreal. We were greeted by a snowman at the bottom of our driveway that had been built by the neighbor kids. Check it out.

This morning the snowman is toppled and the snow is mainly slush, but I have a white birthday and that's pretty cool.

15 comments:

Stacey J. Warner said...

oh how wonderful! what a splendid surprise, a romantic walk.

much love

Felicitas said...

The snow really can be magical - especially, I'm sure, in places where it's rarely seen. I love the snowman!

Brian Miller said...

that walk sounds wonderful...glad you had a white birthday. smiles.

big Jenn said...

Happy Birthday. My hubby and I are planning to go to the camp tomorrow evening for New Years. Out in the woods in the middle of nowhere, with no electricity and a huge fireplace, snow can definitely be romantic! jeNN

Elisabeth said...

What a wonderful birthday, Christmas and new year story all rolled into one. Best wishes.

tattytiara said...

As freezing cold and as deep as the snow gets up here, it's amazing how much less stressful it was to deal with back when I took the bus. My only option now is to drive, and it's kind of tragic how much difficulty we go through to operate those machines through weather that on some days would be absolutely magical to walk through. Glad you had fun in yours!

One Prayer Girl said...

I miss the beauty of snow, but I don't miss the mess later.

PG

Dianne said...

Happy birthday MM, mine is in 11 days, big 5-0!

Glad you were born!

Di

Rosaria Williams said...

Happy Birthday MM. Yes, snow scares me too, the uneasiness of being stuck, being derailed when getting to work. I loved your story of meeting wife with a heavier coat. Very romantic!

listen for azure said...

The coat was appreciated, the peace divine. I was especially fond of the hot cider when we settled in...and the lift to my ride today.

Happy Birthday, one last time.

Shadow said...

cold yet warm, dark yet light, have a marvellous birthday!

the walking man said...

Yes it is readily apparent that you do not get snow often. Believe me its charm wears off and the voice of it soon turns grating.

Enchanted Oak said...

Loved your winter wonderland!!!!

Mike said...

Happy Birthday! One day late!

Snow is such a treat when you do not get a lot of it, but such a hassle when you do!

Little Ms Blogger said...

Happy belated birthday!

Why is it that everyone races to the store for milk and bread during any snowstorm? I've never understood that.

Great snowman...