Winter: A Time of Renewal

Summary

The author expresses a fondness for winter, viewing it as a period of rest, reflection, and preparation for the upcoming seasons, despite its challenges and the impact of climate change.

Abstract

The article titled "Winter: A Time of Renewal" presents the author's appreciation for the winter season, particularly in Central NY State. Despite the changes brought by climate change, the author cherishes the cold and snowy periods that winter still offers. Winter is seen as a respite from the busyness of other seasons, providing time for hobbies, rest, and planning. The author enjoys indoor activities such as bird watching and photography, as well as outdoor pursuits like cross-country skiing. The article also touches on the anticipation of spring and the readiness to engage in warmer weather activities after the winter hibernation. The author uses lyrics from Gordon Lightfoot's song "She’s My Knotty Pine" to poetically convey the relationship with the winter landscape.

Opinions

The author acknowledges that their love for winter might be seen as unusual but confirms their appreciation for the season.
Winter is valued for offering a break from the constant activity of spring, summer, and fall, allowing for personal reflection and preparation.
The author admits to overdoing their hobbies, which are abundant in the warmer seasons, and welcomes the slower pace of winter.
Despite enjoying winter, the author is eager for spring by the season's end, especially after an unusually late snowfall.
The author suggests that those who dislike winter might find enjoyment in the season by adopting a winter hobby, whether indoors or outdoors.
The author expresses a personal connection to the natural world, particularly through the metaphor of a knotty pine tree in the song lyrics, which reflects their view of nature's beauty and resilience in winter.

Winter: A Time of Renewal

Quiet and Peaceful

Author Photo

I already know what some of you may be thinking. Winter? This guy likes Winter? Is he crazy? The answer to all these questions is yes.

Living in Central NY State promises for the most part that you will experience a good old-fashioned Winter. Although climate change has definitely altered this once consistent season, there are still plenty of cold and snowy periods. Nowadays the temperatures seem to waffle back and forth much more often.

Why do I adore this season? There are various reasons but most importantly it offers a respite from the hustle and bustle of Spring, Summer, and Fall. Of course, I do love all the seasons, but Winter allows me more time to reflect on things and to get ready for the upcoming busy times. Also, having Winter hobbies also allows me to enjoy this time of year.

My hobbies tend to get me in trouble, not in the sense you may be thinking, but I tend to overdo most things. Starting in the Spring, there is a flurry of activity at my home that doesn’t settle to normalcy until mid-June. Between gardening, lawn work, pool, etc. it all begins.

Winter seems to quiet everything and puts it on hold. It gives me time to reflect and to plan for the upcoming season. I tend to get more rest in Winter, although I do enjoy cross country skiing and just getting outside. As an avid bird watcher, that gives me time to look at the beauty from inside, trying to capture bird photos and identify bird species. No lawn to mow, garden to tend, pool to check. Then there is the rare 30-inch snowfall like we had a week before Christmas. Yikes!

I like to think of winter as a time of hibernation, if you will. Let the big bear rest. Don’t disturb until Spring!

Author Photo

By the time Spring arrives, I will admit I’ve had enough. This past year we had snow on May 9th! 2 or 3 inches. Really? By that time I am ready to get the garden going and everything that goes with nice weather. It seems like climate change has not only added more variability to Winter temperatures but also prolongs the cold temperatures in the Spring.

So if you also love Winter you get what I am saying. If you don’t, well maybe you cud consider a Winter hobby to make the season more enjoyable. You can choose inside or outside activities. Give it a try.

I will leave you with a few verses of a Gordon Lightfoot song, She’s My Knotty Pine:

She’s my knotty pine She leans with the wind, She cries turpentine Sometimes she nettles me but I don’t mind Only now and then When her branches lean beneath the snow

She’s knotty but nice Reaching for the sky, she don’t like snow ‘n ice To leave things as they stand is my advice She’s been good to me So I tend to go there when I can

She’s my knotty pine Such a pretty scene, she tries to be kind She gives birds a home and shelters them In her coat of green She’s as green as evergreen can be

Author Photo