It may not last long, so I’m writing quickly, but as I type these words it is snowing in Virginia, or at least my part of it. The flakes are big and wet, which gives us a lovely snow globe effect.

This isn’t a blizzard or even a complete coating. Ground cover peeks around the base of the witch hazel tree. (See real-time backyard photo above.) And yellow buses ply the street behind me. It won’t be a completely paralyzed weather day, which is just as well.

But given the paucity of snow around here, having white stuff on the ground this early in the season feels like a gift. And until it all melts away (unlikely, given the cold temps we have in store), I’m treating it as one.

(Two snow pictures in a row … but they’re very different!)