Here in the mid-Atlantic snow usually falls and melts within days. This year we have the frigid temperatures to keep white stuff on the ground a little longer. Long enough for reinforcements to arrive, in other words.

Last night we received a fresh coat of snow. Once again, tree branches are outlined in white, ghostly arms reaching toward the sky. Once again, holly leaves hang heavy with their burden.

Once again, there is shoveling to do (though I’ve largely escaped the duty this year), paths to carve, steps to sweep.

Once again our wan gray world is made new again, if only for a few hours.