Day 320

4/1/23

There are at least three different ways to look at things. You can choose the positive or negative versions of an occurrence or simply accept the reality and move on.

The April Fool's Day Blizzard falls into all three categories at our house.

The negative side is quite evident. Friends were stuck in the snow while attempting to return home last night. Other people we care about ended up at the airport all night. We heard the ambulance racing through the town numerous times and shoveling was nearly impossible! Ugh!

On the positive side, the pups were in Doggy Heaven! All four of the Goldens begged to go outside over and over during the day. Gus and Sam had "snow baths" and, when they finally exploded through the doggy door, enjoyed their "Rooba, Rooba" before attempting to exit through the door once again. Even Lilly and Ranger wanted to go out in the white stuff!

The beauty of a fresh snowfall can not be denied. It glistens in the sunlight and cleans the world. Watching the huge snowflakes come down last night during a thundersnow-storm took my breath away. Snow is a beautiful thing!

Asher got to help Nanny build a snowman and shake snow from the trees and bushes since their branches were being held hostage by the weight of the snow. We tried to shovel a little bit, but it was like scooping up water! Daughter Katie even broke the snow shovel on one heroic heave towards the side of the driveway.

The last choice would be choosing to simply accept this heavy, deep snow as a brief visitor. That would be a good choice for Minnesotans, but it's hard to lay down the shovel and accept defeat. The citizens of this great state tend to repeat our outside sojourn to the shovel many times where we "pick" away at the snow...just to show it who is boss!

Our friend, Tim, showed up in the nick of time to plow our driveway. He saved us hours of work, sore arms and painful backs. He arrived, cleared the snow and then looked around to see which of our neighbors might need some assistance. He always tells us that he has more than enough of everything, so simply "pay it forward."

There is the negative viewpoint.
There is the positive viewpoint.
There is acceptance.

There is also the Tim Viewpoint...help your neighbor and encourage them to make the world a better place by the Domino Effect of Kindness. One small act of kindness makes the world go around and around.

For me, I will find joy in the beauty of the snow and look for ways to pay it forward like Friend Tim. Oh yes...and accept the snow because there is no other choice.

I will also try to be more like my Goldens. Being more present in the moment and enjoying whatever you are faced with is always a good choice. Good advice from the pups!