Season Hath Arrived . . . .

At least for a while, we can say good bye to scenes like the one above.  

No more green grass in December.

Snow has fallen.

A blanket of white has covered a generally bland landscape.

 Today marks a dramatic transition into winter as we commonly know it.

Snow shovels have replaced rakes.

Boots will be the norm rather than the exception.

Bill put the rear blade on the tractor yesterday.

Tonight will be the first night of several months when horses come into the barn and stay in their box stalls all night long.

I'll be shoveling horse apples in the morning and listening to music on the radio.

The pile of black gold next to the barn will begin to be replenished for yet another season of gardening. 

Dogs will go through toweling off moments before coming into the house. 

The broom next to the entrance into the house will get more use, sweeping snow from boots. 

And, often, vehicles will require broom work on wind shields and roofs. 

Yup, winter is here.  

Don't know how severe it will be this year, but we've had plenty of time to prepare.

And, happily we'll have a lot less time than usual to groan about the extra work it brings. 

I'm actually welcoming this first snow because it will cover up dead grass and leaves, which have gradually led to a feeling of visual blahs for the past several days. 

It's a change, so far not too bad.  

With only a couple of inches of snow on the ground, I did not have to shovel pathways to feed the horses this morning. 

So, I'm not complaining.

And, I'm excited for daylight to come because I hung my wreaths and some garland on the garden fence.

Motive?  

Every time I'm working at the kitchen sink, I can feel a bit more festive, especially today if the decorations have a dusting of white snow.  

Yes, the element needed to help usher us into the true nostalgia of the Christmas season has arrived. 

A little extra work, yes, but for now a most welcome sight. 

Finally, last night, I watched the CNN Heroes program, which was beyond inspiring from start to finish. 

This year's program had a special touch.  The first recipient of the ten CNN heroes is from Kimberly, Idaho, near Twin Falls. 

Luke Mickelson started an organization called "Sleep in Heavenly Peace."  Its purpose:  to make beds for so no kid has to sleep on the floor. 

I was so excited to see someone from Idaho receive the award that I connected with Luke and might just have some more to add to his story.  

So, stay tuned.  

Luke and his team of volunteers, along with the other nine recipients, could certainly fit among the ten thousand points of light concept coined by President George Herbert Walker Bush. 

That's all for now. 

Happy Monday. Hello, Winter. 

CB eating breakfast.