Palmer's first heartbeat of winter

Sunday morning we woke up to snow. It had started sometime in the dark night and only with first light did we see the startling whiteness and the conclusive reminder that winter is here.

It started with a brave small group of snowflakes. Tentative, cautious and slow in its’ descent. This was followed by another group volunteer snowflakes. Soon there was a full team of snowflakes falling. Then their reinforcements arrived in a forceful flurry. With in the morning hours, legions of snowflakes descended fast and joined forces. They gathered until there was a full two inches, tryin to hide the brown leaves and dead grasses. Angular sticks and logs were softened into white mounds.

The first snowfall is a wondrous thing. Perhaps there is nothing more peaceful. It is like Nature is taking care of itself and putting our earth to bed under a soft white blanket. For Alaskans, the first snowfall is usually a joyful occasion. Certainly all the children and dogs are excited. (The 100th snowfall is not a joyful occasion.) But for now we know some predictability and reassurance from our white world of snow.

Many of us are not ready. We didn’t finish the autumn chores. We don’t have our snow tires on. We don’t have the winter gear and boots pulled out. Until we are prepared, we aren’t necessarily feeling the joy.

Some are thrilled and waxing their skis. Some are digging out their snowshoes, doggie harnesses and sleds. Farmers are breathing a sigh of relief; whatever root crop remains out in the Palmer fields, now stays put. It’s senseless to try and dig out the few remaining parsnips or potatoes. Likewise folks with hoses and garden tools will gratefully not see these reminders of procrastination. They are covered now and can be forgotten until spring, five months away.

Life is quilt free now. There’s no mowing or fixing or pruning. It’s time for nesting and hobbies. It’s time for books and movies. Snow’s silence and insulation hushes the world. It allows us to figure out where the cat wanders, now that we can track her little footprints. We’ve had a long and glorious fall.

Our Halloween-ers will once again be forced to Trick or Treat bundled in snowsuits, looking less like a costumed character and more like a mish-mash of accidental clothing choice and mask.

So get out your shovel and snow-machine. Fill your bird feeders. Drive Winter safe. Enjoy the snow season to the fullest. Dress warm. Winter’s here and it’s time to both play and hibernate.

Frozen Flowers In The Snow—Last week we ran a question about which flowers still remained active in mid October. Some are in their second bloom of the season although some of them are in microclimates, which assures their survival in the shoulder season. But here is the list!!! Pansies, Cosmos, Johnny Jump ups, Citronella, Daisies, Nasturtiums, Wild Rose, Geranium, Alyssum, Bellflower, Dahlia, Sweet Peas, Poppies, Clematis, Strawberries, Cranesbill, Trollius, Calendulas, Bachelor Buttons, Delphinium.

The Time for Little Lights is Now—Don’t wait for the traditional holiday season. Palmer needs the little lights now. Pushing Christmas forward is not the goal, but offering light and hope is essential in the dark season. Like other northern climates and in the Scandinavian and Canadian countries, we recognize the value of little lights during the dark time. It is a physical and emotional support to everyone. Winter cities and towns have long valued the lantern, street light and fairy lights because it is part of our welcoming safety of the season.

Barbara Hunt is both Palmer writer and artist. She works hard to keep the robust pulse of Palmer, Alaska. She shares the good stuff in the weekly Palmer Alaska Buzz Column in the Mat Su Valley Frontiersman and daily on the Palmer Alaska Buzz Facebook Group.. Contact at bhunt@mtaonline.net or text 907.315.3222