New England, My Home

New England is where I was born and raised, I left for many a year, only to return, to settle down, to grow old with those I love.

The winter thus far has been mild, a dusting of snow in late December, a few inches in January, a few more this February. Though this snow was wet and heavy, it was pretty.

I expect to die here in New England, some day long in the future, I hope. It's my home, my thoughts, my memories, my childhood dreams always bring me back. The bones of my ancestors lie sleeping in her hills, generations of my family have lived here. Some went away to war and returned, some have lived here their entire lives without traveling farther than Boston.

A bit of Robert Frost seems appropriate and fitting for this day as I look out over the snow covered landscape.

"Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening"
by Robert Frost

Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.
The little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.
He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound’s the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.
The woods are lovely dark and deep.
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.

While I sat in my room, reading and relaxing, for I had the day off, The Missus Herself suddenly called out to me and bade me "look out the window!"

The storm had passed and the sun was preparing to bed down for the evening, giving us a last hurrah before sinking below the western horizon.

The sparkle and glow of the new fallen snow was wondrous to behold. A thick white blanket covered the world.

The beauty of it brought tears to my eyes, there are things given to us by our Maker which make one humble. This day was one of those precious gifts.

This post is dedicated to my grandchildren. Just today my daughter-in-law told me how much my grandson wanted to see snow again. His sister has never seen it.

There you go my babies, next time you visit in winter, perhaps we can go sledding. Grandpa's not so old yet that he can't enjoy a day in the snow with his bairns!