Last Vestiges of Autumn
Posted on 01. Dec, 2009 by Laura-Jane - Whimfield in Outdoors, Prince Edward Island
This steely cow is preparing herself for winter.
“Winter is coming!” She says.
“I will remain strong!” She says. She stares winter straight on, never shying away from the truth.
Me, on the other hand, I’m scared. The first few winters here on PEI were a novelty. Now I feel like a regular PEIer, and I’m just not sure how I feel about winter.
Question: What happens to cows in the winter in cold places? Do they have to stay inside? I hope so. Otherwise, the next time I feel cold and whiny I’ll be confronted by the image of Steely Cow’s robust figure and penetrating glaze and I’ll have to bite my tongue about the cold.
Susan Burton Charlottetown
Dec 1st, 2009
Hi Laura-Jane,
you know how I feel about another winter coming…plbtttttttttttttttttttttttttttt That and I will have to fight the cat for the one sun spot in the house as he and I chase it around all afternoon…
Laura-Jane - Whimfield
Dec 11th, 2009
Plbtttttttttttttttttttttttttttt is right! Aren’t sun spots nice? The best place in our house is on the spare bedroom bed at 10:00am. The sun streams right in. It’s the perfect place to read a book or nap. And I don’t have to fight any kitties for it. :)
John Quimby
Dec 3rd, 2009
Steely Cow indeed! That is one resolute bovine.
But don’t let Bossie’s appearance un-nerve you. Behind that resolute posture is a perfect vacuum of ignorant bliss. It’s the same pose that politicians and car salesmen use to such great effect.
Laura-Jane - Whimfield
Dec 11th, 2009
A perfect vacuum of ignorant bliss sounds good right about now.
Michelle
Dec 3rd, 2009
As an ex-West Coaster, I am going to remind you of a few things… or maybe offer some new insights that may keep you looking forward to that 4th season known as winter.
Laura-Jane. The sun shines in winter. The full moon makes diamonds in the snow. If you have a river nearby, go to it at night and listen to it talk to you. It’s incredible as it protests against the changing elements. Look up into the night sky and marvel and the numerous stars. Breathe in the crispness of the winter air. Get giddy when it’s a storm day cause that means you can spend the day indoors, warm and in your jammies. Drink hot chocolate or hot spicy soup.
Think of your West Coast friends who are shivering in the damp cold – the kind that gets in your bones, longing for any glimpse of sunshine when it’s been absent for weeks on end. (I’m told Vancouver Island sees more sunshine than the mainland, but still.)
Bloom where you’re planted, Laura-Jane. Take a long walk (get a dog) on a sunny winter day. You’ll find yourself too warm before too long if you’re bundled up just right. Don’t think of winter as having to clear snow or wondering how you’ll get from point A to point B. And then… when you think you’ve had enough of snow and cold, spring will come and you’ll welcome it with such open arms!
Four seasons are good. I missed them for 25 years while living in BC. Don’t worry about the cows or the horses or the birds or any other living creature for that matter. They are part of God’s creation and they are able to cope. It’s all good.
Laura-Jane - Whimfield
Dec 11th, 2009
Beautiful, Michelle! You are soooo right. Don’t you hate it when you’re not practicing what you preach? I will take your advice, especially looking up at the cold, clear night sky. And re: sunshine hours, that is very true. As I recall, although it might be cold, that sun streams on down and warms you up. Much better than West coast drizzle!
Vicki
Dec 5th, 2009
Well said Michelle. As a wet coaster I would welcome sun in the winter. Well, then maybe Mexico could do that without shovelling. Not sure what to expect this winter as last winter was the worst we’ve had in near 50 years.
Laura-Jane - Whimfield
Dec 11th, 2009
I’ve heard Vancouver Island has been having a cold snap already. Hopefully it would be another Winter like the last. That sounded crazy for you all!
Sal
Dec 6th, 2009
Make a whole row of snow angels. When we were considering marrying, that is the one question that was important to my Pete. And I passed…
;-) EMBRACE the wind, snow and enjoy the “snow days”. Life is for living, not worrying about.
Laura-Jane - Whimfield
Dec 11th, 2009
“Life is for living, not worrying about.” Arrrrrrrrrgh, you are so right. I am a worry wart and I don’t like it. I’m writing your quote on a sticky note.