Winter in Vermont 2007

We are in the midst of a Noreaster in the early part of winter. I think we've had more snow so far this year than the whole season last year. It reminds me of an old-fashioned winter when I was growing up with snow drifts reaching the tops of the doors and windows. I can picture all the neighborhood kids running outdoors with their sleds and sliding right down the middle of the streets. With our dogs racing behind us, we had no fear of traffic (or injuries) back then. We slid til our legs turned to rubber and then all got together at someone's house for hot chocolate.

I still have dogs, but instead of sledding, we go for walks in the woods or out in the cornfield down near the CT River. We tend to walk off the beaten path, so we are always foraging our own paths or clearing our way through bushes and trees. This is where I feel the most joy and appreciate nature for its beauty and peacefulness. It renews my spirit and gives me a feeling of amazement and respect when I am at one with nature. This is also where I meditate and pray for the respect of all living things. Most of our walks tend to gravitate near some type of water--either ponds, rivers, brooks, etc. The first photo above is my dog, Deeg, a Chow mix and a big, cuddly teddy bear...

I feel bad for people who never experience this--it must leave such a void in one's life. I don't think it matters where you live. I believe people can find special places in the city as well--I just think it's harder because most people are prone to getting caught up in the hussle and bussle and fast pace of city life vs. rural life.

Talk about getting off the beaten path!!

This is a photo of Zoey--a precious, sweet, 3-legged dog. Even though I'm just "Auntie Beeg", I love Zoey as if she were my own.