Winter's here. Time to hibernate...

I'm not fond of snow. That is actually an understatement. I can't stand snow. I don't want it in my yard, my neighbourhood, or anywhere else I might need to go. Driving in it is torture. Walking in it is awful. Does it look pretty? Sure, when it is far away on a mountain I'm not planning on visiting.

However, in January 2020 I went to Whitehorse, Yukon, with my sister. She had a milestone birthday and it was on her bucket list to see the aurora borealis. So, there I was. Snowshoeing. Riding a dog sled. Being pulled across a frozen lake in a sleigh. Standing in a snowy, frozen field at 2 a.m. to see the aurora. That was beautiful. Getting out of my snow suit to use the outhouse at 30 below? Definitely not beautiful.

The pandemic was yet to happen, but when it hit I went underground like everyone else. I'm immunocompromised and don't need any complications. I was happy that people were finally washing their hands, keeping their distance and staying home when they were sick. Masks? Bonus. I didn't catch a cold for over 18 months. The best part was my natural hermit tendencies were ideal for the shut-down world around me. I didn't feel isolated. I felt safe.

In the winter, especially when it snows, I just want to stay at home. Curl up with a book and a cup of hot chocolate. Spend hours in my studio. Sleep. A lot. My mammalian instincts are strong and hibernation is appealing. I put on winter weight during the fall. I load up the kitchen cupboards and freezer. Warmer bedding. Slippers. Sweaters. All cosy. Sometimes I bake cookies, because it seems like a worthy pursuit. Winter solstice feels as much an ending as a beginning. The year is slipping away. The daylight hours will start to stretch out. But there's still plenty of time to hibernate. Stay warm, cosy and well.