They called for three inches, but as I write this we're easily up to 5 inches and it's still snowing. Our driveway isn't plowed, but that's OK because we are in for the night, and I am so thankful for the grace of a good snowstorm.
In case you were wondering, I've been working really hard lately. Maybe too hard. I come home and keep working. I wake up and work before I go to work. I do it because people are counting on me and waiting for me to get things to them. I love what I do, but I have to admit, there was a time this past week--well, a few times--when I was worried that there wouldn't be a Christmas in my house this year.
But today (Saturday) I realized there will be a Christmas after all. First, we all packed into the pickup truck and went food shopping at the local health food store. The checkout lady, as she was ringing up our two carts of food--granted, they were very small carts--said to us, "You know, it's only supposed to snow three inches." Then we went to get our Christmas tree. I had worked all morning, so it felt OK to take a break. As we were picking out our tree, it started to snow.
We drove home and up our little mountain. All the trees were covered with white and it truly felt like a winter wonderland. We ate a late lunch. The kids built a snowman and then we all took naps--long winters naps. When we woke up it was still snowing.
And that's when it started to feel really good.
When we are forced to stay put and stay home, a peace settles in. We lit some candles. Put on the Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer DVD for Lucia. I made some appetizers with dates and goat cheese, walnuts and olive oil and suddenly it felt like a Christmas party. (I love a party when you can clean out your pantry and refrigerator--and make soup from the old stuff--while the party is going on!)
I still haven't begun to shop for presents. The tree is lying outside on the porch. I have no idea what I'm going to make for dinner, but there are plenty of choices. I'm going to have to get some work done tomorrow, too. If I can get out I will visit my mother. If I can't, I'm going to make scented pinecones! I've got pinecones outside, and a "recipe" from the internet, and a brown bag filled with all natural essential oils to make them smell like cinnamon, cloves and oranges (in other words, like Christmas).
And if the snow is still here when I wake up tomorrow (I know it will be), I'll put on my cross country skis and go out for a ski in the woods. Because it doesn't snow very often in Pennsylvania, so you have to grab the chance while you can. Work can wait for a little while. And getting ready for Christmas can wait too.
Besides, "There's always tomorrow for dreams to come true, tomorrow is not far away." (As sung by Clarice in Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer.)
For more from Maria Rodale, go to www.mariasfarmcountrykitchen.com.