I wrote about a snow day a few years ago in my book of 101 PROMISES & it felt like time for a 'self reminder' when I came across it this morning. I've already been out on my deck (after pushing the door open wide enough for me to get through). I had my steaming hot coffee but couldn't go any farther until my neighbor arrived with his snow blower. The driveway was filled right over and smooth like the lake. My car was out there by the garage...somewhere. After checking on family and my mind was settled everyone was ok, I let myself drift back to my childhood when the announcement of a snow day was magic to my ears!
Schools & most roads were closed! Mom would be cooking and baking or making homemade soup. Dad would have a day in his workshop and I was on my own.
I recall hardly being able to sit through breakfast because I was so anxious to get out there and blaze trails all over the yard. Shep, my border collie, would bounce through the drifts looking like a dolphin.
Time flew and then it was time to be coaxed in for a hot lunch. Shep gratefully nestled into his pile of quilts by the wood stove. Bundled up once again in fresh warm dry clothes and I was out there till supper time. Between times, Dad would faithfully deliver hot cocoa & treats to whichever snow fort I'd constructed for Shep & I. Dad was great for adding the finishing touches to my forts and made sure They were solid.
Life was simple to say the least and the difficulties were handled somehow & we were content for the most part. If we were snowed in, the nearest neighbors came to check. We all did that for one another, it was a given.
I looked around my house this morning & thought about all of the things we didn't know we didn't have back then.
I might be stuck in the house for the day but I have a cell phone, a land line, Wi Fi, Netflix, prime with free express delivery for online shopping. My appliances are self defrosting an self cleaning. My car has command start, once it's dug out. A washer and dryer are wonderful assets however, I still remember the fresh smells of laundry drying beside the wood burning stove.
After a storm, if a family couldn't get themselves out, help came along with groceries and mail pick up and our driveways were cleared. Then came a meal fit for royalty as I remember was served to all. There was a lot of hard work, but it always got done and there was ample time for fellowship, local news, playing cards, sewing & quilting hours. There was always time for the important things.
Our home routine was breakfast, midmorning coffee, lunchtime, afternoon tea with sweets and the supper hour. Our night lunch, just as the meals, were always at the same time and then we shared the events of our day. I was included & shared about school & friends, who goofed up the worst etc... It was totally on the honor system but if I had to write lines for the teacher, I had to do the same amount at the table before I went to bed as well. I was taught patience, obedience, the consequences for lying and respect always for my elders. If it was my turn to say the blessing and I rushed my words, I felt a strong tap on my shoulder, reminding me to slow down & give the Lord of our home and family, proper thanks.
Today, during the snow day, I enjoyed remembering many of these things that reminded me of the importance of strong roots and security of home. Life has changed to say the least and not everyone has lived my quiet simple life. Not even my own children, but the older I get, the more I am grateful for the life I had back then. It took many years to appreciate it.
Today, I feel fortunate to be living in a town where my friends and neighbors come and check on me or call every day. Even though almost everything has changed, a few important things still have that wonderful small town flavor, especially through snow days.
Until next coffee time,
Blessings Lane
Last Wednesday, January 12th:
Sunrise: 8:24 AM
Sunset: 4:47 PM
This Wednesday, January 19th
Sunrise: 8:18 AM
Sunset: 5:00 PM
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