It is February.
The month I was warned about before moving to Maine. How will you survive February?
It is the dead of winter.
It is bitter cold.
There is no end in sight.
Most of us have a serious Vitamin D defincency, and a huge case of cabin fever. The way I see it, you can sucessfully deal with it one of two ways. Either get yourself to a warmer locale, or you get out enjoy it in some capacity.
We look forward to every snowfall, as an opportunity to get fresh tracks on the mountain. We each bought a season pass this year, so it is the first year in the last five, I have had the opportunity to snowboard more than a handful of times in a season. The ski bum bug has got ahold of my heart hard right now, and I find myself checking the weather of all the local mountains multiple times a day. I have also been able to get over a plateau in my ability, and am getting closer to keeping up with my man.
Yet even with my hardcore love for the winter, I have had a few breakdowns. I’m sick of being cold. Plain and simple. I can’t really imagine living here if I didn’t have some sort of winter activity that I loved to do. I do think it is the love of outdoor life in Maine that keeps people going, even when the going gets tough. Snowmobiling, snowshoeing, ice fishing, smelting, cross country skiing, and alpine are just a few of the beloved pastimes that keep people occupied and moving until the sun shines again, and the landscape turns from white to green.
My puppies definitely don’t have the ability to enjoy this season, and they don’t really appreciate us running to the mountain each and every chance we get. But we don’t have too many options. They’re short hair doesn’t really give them longevity in chilly temps, and they have the most sensitive little feet. What can I say, my babies are Cali dogs through and through. For now, we spend our evening snuggling them by the fire.
Keeping my fingers crossed for more snowfall this year here in Maine, so I can enjoy many more days of powder. We are expecting a huge storm in a few days, so it looking good from where the weatherman stands.
More than that I am hoping that California gets a ton of wintery weather to help the land I love out of the terrible drought that has plauged this winter season. Crossing my fingers for the west coast!
Next week I get a long over due visit from my momma. Trusting the beauty of a Maine winter will capture her heart a little as she gets to experience a bit of my life first hand. I can’t wait. I feel like a little kid waiting for Christmas.
Until next time, stay warm and enjoy whatever pleasure this season is bringing you.
