I woke up to a snowy landscape this morning. As far as I know, it was the first snow of the “season,” even though most of it melted away by evening. Every time I see snow for the first time each year, I always think of my grandfather. He loved to hear me laugh, and there were times he would go to outrageous lengths to hear me laugh.
When it would snow for the first time, he would always look at me and say, “Now Christmas will come I am sure.” I suspect he was quoting a poem or story from his youth or perhaps his time as a teacher. As far as I know, I never learned the origin of that statement, beyond it simply being what he said the first time it snowed.
One year, it didn’t snow until up into March, and I remember standing on the porch with him, and he turned to me and–sober as a judge–said, “Now Christmas will come I am sure.” I guess it was the fact that it was already into March that made it so funny, but regardless, I laughed, and I have no doubt he enjoyed me laughing.
And every year, the first time it snows, memories of one of the best men I’ve ever known come to the forefront of my mind.
In other news…
Today was the second day of the “Sprint to the New Year with Kris” challenge. (I think I got the name right…)
I did not start the challenge well at all. Nope! I read almost the entire day yesterday. I’m not sure that writing crossed my mind more than once… maybe twice. Yes, I know… such a horrible thing for a professional storyteller to admit, but that is one of the demons I wrestle with.
Don’t get me wrong; I love my stories, and I love writing them. But there are times when I simply don’t care about writing. I want to work on that next year. But to do that, I have to reach next year, and for the next twelve days and change, I’m sprinting to the New Year with Kristine Kathryn Rusch.
Today, though, was not such a poor showing, and I have to say that I’d really be happy if I could manage this kind of output 365 days a year (or 366 for leap years).
Today's Word Count: 5,254
Challenge Word Count: 5,254
December Word Count: 7,105
2023 Word Count: 285,875
And in still other news…
It seems we have a new neighbor in the area. I was driving home from a mini supply run the other day (December 6th, according to my Photos app) and happened to notice something I’m not sure I’ve ever seen in central West Virginia before.
Alrighty. I think that’s all I have for today. There are a few podcast episodes one of my best friends insists I listen to, and I haven’t done that. It seems like a perfect way to wind down after a good day of writing.
Stay safe out there… at least safer than me! 🤣
WOW! I’m from WV, and was in 4-H and Girl Scouts, and don’t remember ever seeing anything about bald eagles there. That is so cool!
Hi, Deb!
I might be wrong, but I think WV’s Department of Natural Resources or maybe Uncle Sam’s Department of Agriculture or Interior may be re-introducing them to the state. Don’t quote me on that, though. Still… I’d be kinda shocked if it was a natural migration.
Right before I snapped the first picture (the zoomed out view of it perched on the tree), there was an all-dark eagle perched beside it that flew away. I’ve been told that means the bird isn’t fully adult, yet.