Monday, September 28
It’s that time of year, when anticipation clings to the air like the morning fog…. When frostbitten fiery leaves fall to the ground - Waiting, just waiting for that one weather report; that one moment that will determine the next phase of fall.
Snow.
A chance of snow, snow likely, rain/snow mix, light dusting – it doesn’t matter how it’s phrased on the weather report. Snow is snow.
First snow.
There is something about fall… the incredible colors, cozy sweaters and cool evenings, the smell of fireplaces and cinnamon, harvest and holidays - but what fall is to me, and to many, I imagine, is simply the first phase of winter. A prelude, if you will. The start of something fresh. When the word fresh takes on an entirely different meaning to those of us sitting through this overture, anxiously waiting for the curtain to rise and the snow to fall.
It’s a tease, I think, the first snow. Here today gone tomorrow. Nevertheless, it falls. And by falling, nature gives us an affirmation that our fervor for the winter season has been more than simply a frivolous shadow of hope…
So we wait…. and we hope….
Fast Forward to Wednesday, September 30……
Driving up Schweitzer Mountain Road, lost in the snaking asphalt, offset by crimson and gold, my early morning coffee and my perfectly appropriate music-pick for the cloudy, cold day – I am suddenly startled when my eye catches it … Snowflake? Nah – it’s not quite that cold – I was wearing flip flops two days ago! I check the setting on my heat – full blast. Huh… little white bug perhaps… Again – lost in the music.
Another little white bug flies by my windshield.
Ok – getting suspicious….
And a third.
Alright. That confirms it. It’s snowing!
Check the time – 7:57 – three switchbacks to go. Call my boss…
“Hey Patrick, its Haley. I am going to be about five minutes late… by the way – did you know it’s snowing?”
Pulling into the parking lot, I realized why Patrick laughed when I said that…. full-on flurry on the Schweitzer village. I stuck out my tongue. Tastes like winter. I scoured the sidewalk and grass searching for some contrast – a sign of stickage – maybe….? maybe not….
It doesn’t matter. It’s snowing. Happy Fall.
