When snow falls heavy, it frosts the trees and blankets the ground with glorious white powder. Big flakes drift in the wind. My little bird friends fluff themselves out. They tuck their heads into their feathers. As they move from tree to tree, they knock little clumps of snow off of branches and leave delicate prints wherever their tiny feet touch. They gather together as if just being near one another gives them comfort in the snow. They don’t sing or chirp, they just squint at me as snow collects on their backs and beaks.
Deer root around in the deep snow looking for tender grass. As we approach, their heads pop up and they stare. Little piles of snow perch on their black noses and they blink comically. Some take shelter in the naked woods. They nestle into drifts of snow. It’s hard to see them until one moves and then, as I look closer, I see an entire herd. They are not alarmed.
When we walk on icy, snowy days, the world seems to move slowly. I high step through drifts. Chuck dances and prances and seems to grin. These are her favorite days. Her joy is contagious.
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