Day 592

This morning all of my Golden Walks had Mother Nature painting a thin layer of frost on the ground. The sparkles were beautiful! Appreciating the lack of slippery patches on the sidewalk, I began to marvel at the fact that it is almost January! Such a strange beginning to winter, but I am not complaining! Six dog walks a day (Ranger and Lilly walk together and we go twice) is much easier when there is traction underfoot!

Along with the lack of winter weather, the days are getting longer! There is a particular family member who would always sadly remind us that at the Summer Solstice, it's all downhill from there! I never shared that sentiment since changes in the seasons energize me no matter which one is emerging.

As autumn approaches, there are football games, warm sweaters, bonfires and beautiful leaves. When most winters begin to enter our Minnesota world, I look forward to the holidays, warm soups with homemade bread and cozy times by the fire. Spring brings its own glorious rebirth of nature and a hope for the green to come. Summer means warm sun, swimming, biking and early morning walks with the Goldens. My favorite season is the one that is next. As it approaches, the anticipation is lovely.

So, when the Winter Solstice arrived, we had not yet tasted the season. The darkness was evident, but the sun shone warm and bright when it finally emerged over the horizon. Our Minnesota landscape is enjoying two extra minutes of daylight each day with three added on in a month's time. So, we wait for the snow and cold with our soup recipes in hand. We all know it will arrive when it is good and ready! Until then, the Goldens will enjoy slip-free walks with their Mama...who is very grateful to not need the spiked boots yet!