Snow

"We sleep, and at length awake to the still reality of a winter morning. The snow lies warm as cotton or down upon the window-sill; the broadened sash and frosted panes admit a dim and private light, which enhances the snug cheer within. The stillness of the morning is impressive... From the eaves and fences hang stalactites of snow, and in the yard stand stalagmites covering some concealed core. The trees and shrubs rear white arms to the sky on every side; and where were walls and fences we see fantastic forms stretching in the frolic gambols across the dusky landscape, as if nature had strewn her fresh designs over the fields by night as models for man's art." ~~Henry David Thoreau



After a tease of spring, with melted snow and 50 degree sun, winter has announced himself king with a vengeance.

We have been lucky and our two snowed-in days this winter have been on days off with no destination or obligation. Until we have money to buy a tractor, we are shoveling this drive by hand. It is great exercise. The two miles of dirt road are almost always plowed. I have only driven once through the clean drifted white as if sailing on an albino sea.

Setting our 16 year old licensed driver upon these roads is a test of parenthood and my overprotective nature. For the past eight months he has driven these roads at least twice a week, once with the mother and once with the father, absorbing or tolerating our varied advice and driving styles. I know he is a careful and observant driver. I also know that once that passenger seat is empty he will turn up his music, drive a little faster, and take the snowy corners a little sharper... just because he can. Even though he is aware of impaired drivers and animals that emerge from nowhere, I worry about all these unknowns... the fog of nature and the fog of the mind... but know that he has to gain these experiences sometime. We give him an old but dependable car. One that doesn't matter if it takes the few expected dents of experience. He tells us his destination, calls before he starts the return drive, has a cell phone and various family and friends he can call upon if stuck. I want him to have these experiences while we are still right here, if need be, to pull him out. And that is my theory of parenthood.