I like winter.
No really, I do. I like the crisp air. I like the bright sunshine reflecting off fields of snow. I like seeing my breath.
I like exploring the city in the winter. I like stomping around the Don Valley with boots, gaiters, and snowshoes. I like taking off my toque after a hike and watching the steam rising from my shadow. I like skating. I like watching the wildlife in the backyard and park. I like looking out the front door on a Saturday morning and seeing a fresh snowfall. I like dodging all the piles of snow on side streets that make drivers slow down and be courteous to pedestrians and cyclists. I like stepping in little piles of slush and feeling it squirt out between my boot treads. I like walking through big puddles at intersections with my waterproof boots. I like being the first person to walk on the sidewalk after a storm.
I like shovelling at 2 a.m. after the snow has stopped but before anyone has packed down the sidewalk. I like hearing people say “Thanks,” when they reach the snow-free sidewalk in front of the house. I like watching drivers with summer tires trying to pull out of snowbound parking spots. I like cycling. I like talking to my neighbours about the weather. I like making fun of reporters who raise a huge fuss every time it snows.
I like wrapping my scarf around my face and pulling my toque down to my eyes. I like dressing in layers. I like wearing my lobster gloves. I like putting on long underwear. I like shaking snow off my jacket before I come inside. I like wearing Merino wool socks.
I like curling up on the couch with Risa and a hot chai. I like crawling under the duvet at night. I like rubbing Fletch’s belly while telling him how lucky he is to be an indoor cat.
But seriously, enough is enough. I’ve been ready for a few weeks now to start liking spring again.
how many times did you guys shovel yesterday?
Just once, and then again this morning. Some of the neighbours were out constantly, though; they’re shovelling maniacs.
Thanks for the reminders of all the happy things about winter, but yeah like you I’ve had enough!
the sign in this picture is hilarious. where did you find it?
Signs like this can be found near entrances and paths throughout the Toronto parks system; this particular one is in E.T. Seton Park behind the Ontario Science Centre. I know at least two other versions of these little signs: the original says “Please walk on the grass,” which was (Metro Parks commissioner) Tommy Thompson’s idea that parks should be used and enjoyed, not just looked at from behind a fence. A second variant reads, “Come ski us sometime.”