We have two feet of snow on the ground. That’s a lot of snow. And another two feet could be coming in the next 48 hours. I have to admit, even I have some difficulty getting around (walking) in two to four feet of snow. 

It’s also been cold (in the 20’s) and windy. Add to the mix that I had major surgery four weeks ago and the result is that I haven’t been out taking photos of nature. Call it excuses or call it sensibilities, either way, I haven’t done any tracking, birdwatching, or deer spotting. But I have managed to spend hours outdoors with Rob and our Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, Bodhi.

Bodhi (B), Brandy (C) and Emma (T) taking a break..

Bo loves the snow and thrives in the cold. He has become the mayor of our street - he knows where all the dogs live and he hasn’t met one he doesn’t like. He stops by their doors every day on the way to his play area - a large hill at the end of our street. He gathers his dog friends and they play till they can hardly walk.  

Bodhi waiting for friends.

The dog owners stand around chattering and making sure their dogs stay off the road, with the pack, and picking up anything the dogs leave behind. The dogs exhaust themselves and go home with balls of frozen snow stuck to their fur.

On Sunday I was particularly pleased to see kids on the hill, too. Kids with sleds! Imagine that - children who were allowed to play outdoors. Of course these are my neighbors and I know them but that doesn’t make it any less exciting to see them busy at unstructured and unsupervised play. No adults were standing by saying “do this” or “sled here”. At the same time, all the adults in the neighborhood had an eye on the children, watching them and ensuring they were safe. 

Neighborhood kids having a blast in the snow.

What a step back in time. The snow brought most things to a halt (driving, shopping, working). People bundled up and walked around the neighborhood (no runners this weekend) and gathered together in impromptu groups to chat. There were sounds of children playing and laughing and dogs playing and barking. People were cleaning off their cars and sidewalks and helping their neighbors to do so, too.

I baked cinnamon buns for anyone who wanted them (it’s a snow day tradition of mine). Rob and I spent several hours out in the cold but we layered smartly and the warm sense of community and belonging helped protect us from the cold winter winds. 

Our neighbors love snow days - can you blame them?

So this weekend wasn’t about nature - at least it wasn’t about plants and animals (except of course, canines). But it was about the nature of people. And how a small “blizzard” can bring us outdoors and bring out the best in us - as we reached out to help, to enjoy, and to gather together. 

I hope you had a similar experience. If not, there’s always tomorrow with another 14 to 20 inches predicted. I hope your power stays on and that you stay warm. Please remember elderly neighbors and lend a hand if you can. And when the snow stops falling and the sun shines, please take your children outdoors. Enjoy the snow while you can. Spring will be here soon.

Yours in the outdoors,

Jane

P.S.For more photos of dogs in the snow see my photos at Flickr