Winter snap offers enjoyable within the snow

Winter snap offers enjoyable within the snow

Published 4:50 pm Friday, February 13, 2026

Late January introduced a blast of unusually chilly temperatures, plus snow, sleet and freezing rain. Apparently, Mother Nature had a tantrum or two.

Needless to say, I didn’t stroll any trails and even the again alleys in my hometown. Instead, I went sledding on a hilly road that my city usually closes so we will all benefit from the snow. A neighbor provided the sleds and had waxed the runners in order that we’d have easy, additional quick rides. There had been little youngsters, teenagers and many adults and households, all having fun with the fun of an excellent experience on a fast-moving sleigh. It was joyful and enjoyable and introduced again fond recollections of childhood adventures.

When I used to be a child, sledding was typically a solitary daytime exercise, however at night time it grew to become a extra elaborate communal occasion. We’d collect on a lonely again street or at somebody’s farm the place there was a hilly area.

The street by Martha Susan’s cabin was a favourite location. If we had been at a farm, there could be a bonfire for warming frozen fingers between taking activates the sleds. Afterwards, we’d troupe off to somebody’s home for refreshments – often sizzling chocolate and cookies.

One household was well-known for serving massive thick sugar cookies that they referred to as Russian tea desserts. I don’t understand how these treats got here to be referred to as Russian tea desserts as a result of they’d nothing in widespread with the actual factor. No matter, they had been tasty and filling after our exploits within the chilly. If we had been significantly fortunate, there could be snow cream, that on the spot dessert made by pouring milk and sugar or condensed milk over contemporary, clear snow.

Even although our current snow was powdery and topped with a skinny glaze of ice, many people tried to make snowmen or different fanciful creatures. I’ve seen basic snowmen dragons, and even canine. Anything is feasible.

I don’t suppose we ever outgrow our childlike surprise on the magic and fantastic thing about snow. Yes, it’s inconvenient and generally harmful, however taking a little bit of time to indulge within the magic is nice for the soul.

After adventures within the snow, my pals and I nonetheless get pleasure from sizzling chocolate, but it surely’s liberally laced with peppermint schnapps. Instead of Russian tea desserts we now have nachos or cheese and crackers. Snow encourages us to have a timeout and renew acquaintances with one another.

Here’s to extra sledding and snow sculptures after which an early spring!

DR. CYNTHIA WOOD is a neighborhood grasp gardener.