Looking Festive

The Edmonds town Christmas tree

We had snow overnight.  I know that's not surprising to many of you, it being December in the Northern Hemisphere and all,  but in the Seattle area snow is rare, especially before Christmas.

 I really don't think snow belongs in town.  In the mountains, yes, maybe even at my cabin, but not in town.

But this particular snow was very well behaved, indeed.  It's already mostly melted.  All the streets are clear just as I have need to go out.  Very nice timing.

I will, grudgingly, admit that it was oh-so-pretty and festive at first light.  I stood at the window, warm and toasty, and enjoyed the snow falling softly and how pretty and festive it all looked.

Except for the fact that it makes it hard to drive, and Seattle area drivers are famous for their lack of snow driving ability, and that when it melts it's all slushy and goop-y and gets in your shoes, and that it is cold.....well, it's quite pretty.   A snowfall makes you appreciate hot drinks and warm fires and cozy houses.  It shows you the architecture of the winter garden.  I can almost like it in this small town.

 From my house to yours, Happy Holidays!

Of Robins' Nests and Poetry

My friend Denise brought me the most perfectly made robins' nest this morning. It still had snow in it from the flurry that went through town early in the day. I can't believe how beautifully made this nest is and how perfectly exquisite.

I also can't believe that Denise would give up such a gorgeous prize to me! She knows I love birds' nests and thought I would like to have this one (oh, I do!) and so she just gave it to me.

The nest reminds me of this poem, of course, as I have been reading Mary Oliver since the weather is so foul here and I just want to curl up inside doing projects, read poetry and drink Snow Geisha tea.

White-Eyes
By Mary Oliver


In winter

all the singing is in

the tops of the trees

where the wind-bird


with its white eyes

shoves and pushes

among the branches.

Like any of us


he wants to go to sleep,

but he’s restless—

he has an idea,

and slowly it unfolds


from under his beating wings

as long as he stays awake

But his big, round music, after all,

is too breathy to last.


So, it’s over.

In the pine-crown

he makes his nest,

he’s done all he can.


I don’t know the name of this bird,

I only imagine his glittering beak

while the clouds—


which he has summoned

from the north—

which he has taught

to be mild, and silent—


thicken, and begin to fall

into the world below

like stars, or the feathers

of some unimaginable bird


that loves us,

that is asleep now, and silent—

that has turned itself

into snow.

Alex's First Snowfall

Snow began to fall late yesterday afternoon, the last full day of Annie and Family's visit. By the time we had finished dinner, it was sticking to the lawn, the trees, the street and the sidewalks. Alex doesn't get snow in Southern California, so it was decided that she should go out to play in it, even though she was already in her 'jammies. We all had a great time! Annie and Alex made a snowman, too. I am especially fond of the broccoli eyes.

The Day Before Winter

I do know, Dear Reader, that in many parts of the world the weather we are experiencing now in the Pacific Northwest is not unusual. It is common winter weather. Snow and ice are business as usual in many, many places. However, that said, I would like to point out that an inch of snow can bring this region to its knees. Can you imagine what six to twelve inches of this white stuff is doing to us? Added to the snow, tonight we are having major winds in many places. Think temperatures in the 10 to 20 degrees F range and then factor in the wind chill of 35 mph winds. Think no heat. Think no hot water. Think no lights, Christmas or otherwise. Think no hot cocoa. Try not to think about being homeless and thank God and the municipal authorities who have opened shelters all over the area. We have had snow and record breaking cold temperates for a week now. Most of the snow was melted away the other day, although ice was still a problem. I have been out and about in town, walking carefully, like a 900-year-old woman, for fear of landing on my backside (or worse, my head!) unexpectedly. I have ventured out and slipped and slid to coffee and the post office (your gift is finally in the mail, Tiff) and the bank. I have even rather enjoyed it. Well, sort of. I am not really a fan of snow in the lowlands. I strongly believe that snow belongs in the mountains, and only in the mountains. It does not belong in cities and towns in the lowlands, especially those that lie along large bodies of salt water, like Puget Sound, fer heaven's sake. Apparently Mother Nature does not agree with me and she has the weather chops while I only have the weather whines.

It started to really snow this afternoon. Very small and cold little flakes. It snowed all three hours I was at the movies (Australia, which I enjoyed much more than the critics, by the way---amazing photography!) and it kept snowing and kept snowing and kept snowing and it's still snowing and it is getting deeper and deeper and deeper. It's cold. It's very cold. It is pretty, but it is going to be awful tomorrow for anyone who has to go anywhere. I am supposed to take my friend Rune and my granddaughter Emma to see The Nutcracker. We'll see. Emma's daddy would have to bring her to me as there is NO WAY I could drive to their house in all this. NO WAY.

Have I mentioned that it is still snowing? Well, it is.

I am going to go to bed now and pull the covers up over my head and dream of palm trees and turquoise waters lapping against the hull of a tall ship, of gentle Caribbean breezes and hot sun and cool drinks. I may well stay in bed until March, when I will make my daydreams come true.

And it won't even be officially winter until tomorrow. Anyone thinking global warming right now?

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

All through my town, all through my neighborhood and all through my house it's very obvious Christmas is coming!
My house is decorated, inside and out. We even had snow yesterday, an unusual occurrence in the Puget Sound region this early in the season. We don't usually get much snow until January or February. Everything looks Christmas-y.
This is Edmonds' official Christmas tree and it's right across the street from my little house---a most festive view, I can assure you.

Even the local geese like flying over in the early morning to take in the decorations from on high.

I've begun my Christmas baking in earnest now. I must stay out of the goodies, I MUST.

I have finished my shopping and have wrapped the gifts and shipped those for my out of town friends and relatives.It is a joy to walk around town these days, especially these nights, to admire all the decorations and lights. Twinkling white lights, sparkly ornaments and tinsel trimmings, fragrant greens, garlands and wreaths all drive away the darkness of these drear December days.

And visions of sugar plums.....I know just where to get them! Right down to the end of my alley, turn left, walk 50 paces and there you are at Nama's Candy Store, home to all things sugary and delectable.

I enjoy candlelight especially this time of year and have little tea lights all over the house. These are on the kitchen counter, near the stove.

How are your Holiday preparations going? I hope you are enjoying a relatively stress free December and that the light and love of this magical season are in your home and in your heart.