Since I am trying to devote much of my blogging to Stories this year, I have decided to repost one of my favorite winter stories. This is a simple story, without a lot of plot twists or fancy literary devices, but one I think of often... whenever sunlight glitters on the snow of our hills and fields. If you missed it last year, or even if you are reading it again, I hope you enjoy this winter memory.
Our first winter in the Quiet Country House was a real "up north" winter, with lots of snowfall and cold enough weather for the snow to stick around. Senryu was in first grade that year, and Haiku not yet in school. Haiku was a wonderful little Mother's Helper during Senryu's school hours. It is true that she made quite a mess with the mixtures and potions that she would churn up in the kitchen, playing at either scientist or chef, depending on her mood. But, she was also very willing to dust, or run toys to the bedroom, or offer thoughtful, carefully-considered decorating advice.
Late in the afternoon, we would look at the clock and realize that Sissy would soon be home from school. No matter how much snow was on the ground... no matter how cold the air... if the skies were clear and blue, Haiku and I would put on our snow gear and trudge a quarter of a mile up the narrow, steep lane to meet Senryu's school bus.
On the first such snowy day, I pulled the sled up behind us as we climbed the hill. When Senryu got off the bus, she settled her little sister on the sled with her and they shoved off down the long, steep slope of our little country lane. As they flew over the glittering surface of the snow, I ran downhill trying to keep up with the sled. We laughed the whole way down the hill, filled with wonder at the beauty and sparkle of a January afternoon.
photo by Haiku, January 2006
6 comments:
Your children have interesting names, Haiku and Senryu. I love that sledding story. We have not had any snow yet. It's getting warmer every winter over here due to global warming, I guess.
Olivia, The names I use on the blog are actually not our real names. When I started this blog, I wasn't sure how comfortable I was talking about my children and giving out their real names. So I renamed us all. Here is a post about the names I chose and why: http://quietcountryhouse.blogspot.com/2006/10/lyrical-names-in-blog-tradition-or-is.html
Thanks for your nice comment about my sledding story. I hope you get some snow soon. Global warming seems a long way off from here. We've had sub-zero temps (F) this week.
Nancy, Thank you for stopping by this morning to share winter memories! Did you grow up near where you live now? If so, are winters the same? We seem to go in cycles... a few years of real, cold, snowy winters and then a few years of lighter, warmer winters.
Wonderful new entry my dear Aisling.
Wildflowers WILL be here soon. It is always a matter of defiant hope winning out over cold, gray days.
Yes, I am picking fruit and flowers from my little garden. Oranges, kumquats, blood oranges, Meyer and Valencia lemons, limes, the last of the guavas, and a big bouquet of Indian Spring hollyhocks.
I've finished a complete chapter of my new book and am thinking on the children's cooking chapter. May have to talk with you in person.
Dream of wildflowers!
Sharon
Nancy, I guess you are seeing signs of climate change there. Here, we have been getting 2 or 3 inches of snow per day for quite a few days in a row - and very cold temps. Brrr.
trying to stay warm,
Aisling
Sharon,
How exciting that you have a new book in the works! A children's cooking chapter? What fun! And how nice it would be to talk it over with you. :)
Just reading about what you are harvesting from your colorful garden was a pleasure. It sounds bountiful and joyous!
~ Aisling
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