Winter, at last...

Snow finally made it to Wisconsin with our first measurable snowfall in early January.

The ever-so-hardy pines of the northern states.

What a crazy winter we have had. I seem to be one of the relatively few people who enjoy Wisconsin winters. As a matter of fact, I would have to say it is my second favorite season, surpassed only by fall. It is such a peaceful time to be outdoors; the snow seems to absorb all the noise that comes with our busy, never-enough-time-in-a-day world; there are fewer people venturing out once the thermometer registers below freezing; and it is a great time to recognize all of those hearty creatures that have found adaptive ways to weather less than ideal conditions.



A dark-eyed junco enjoying the fresh snow...

then again, some creatures aren't quite as lucky.

So, take the opportunity to get outdoors in winter. Take a short hike. Strap on a pair of snowshoes. Try cross-country skiing for the first time. For the adventurous, pitch a tent--there is nothing like waking up to the silence of a winter morning, snuggled in a toasty sleeping bag, the cold gently nibbling at your exposed nose.

Contrary to winters of recent past, this one may truly be short-lived. I say enjoy it while it's here.