Way up here in Montana we were blessed clear through Christmas with almost no winter – no snow, no ice, only a little chilly. And we were grateful. At least those of us who don’t ski 🙂  It was chilly enough to keep the wood stove going, though, and Coop enjoys every minute of that.

Clear horizons, warm skies and sunny beaches all beckon to me over the winter, and my family and friends down in the southwest wonder why I’m up here. Here’s why:

These trees are in my yard. I take pictures every year after ice fog has come through – I can’t help it! It looks good enough to eat!

I’ve bussed kids up to our ski resort twice since Christmas, after winter finally arrived in all it’s beauty.

Yep, it’s a nuisance in many ways, but it’s worth it – winter wonderland every day. On my last trip to the ski resort I took my snow shoes and ventured less than 300 feet from the lodge before feeling miles from anywhere.

Way out in the snowy woods I did hear a front-end loader plowing snow up by the resort 🙂  but still the solitude was palpable.

A creek cleared a way for itself through heavy snow, a pond froze over, and stumps have fallen victim to snow piling up on their heads.

This was the view from my house before the sun set tonight:

The sun and warmth will be back soon enough. The trade offs are worth it. Perspective counts for everything – in life, health, prosperity, and weather! Happy New Year!