Winter

Living in a climate where you get to experience four distinct seasons is one aspect of living in Christchurch that I love.  My favourite two are autumn and spring, but they all have their beauty. 

Tomorrow is the officially the first day of winter and I must say this season tends to bring out the hibernation gene in me.  My instinct is to pull the covers over my head and remain in bed for the three months, but it is not a very practical solution to dealing with cold days.  Instead I have decided to relish the weather this season brings. 

Waking up on a cold frosty morning and running to the shower to immerse myself in hot water in an attempt to wake up.  Hats, gloves, scarves and gumboots are retrieved from their summer homes.  Layers of clothing are essential to keep out the chill and parts of the body that not so long ago enjoyed the summer sun are hidden from view.  The crunch of the frost beneath my feet as I walk to the bus stop trying to make sure I don't slip on the uneven surface.  Given that I am still waiting for the footpaths to be repaired I mostly walk on the road.  This has it's own dangers as for some time my street has been a detour while waste water repairs are undertaken on neighbouring roads.  Winter can also mean sheltering under an umbrella with daughter 1 as we both struggle to keep out of the rain while on our journey home.  And who can resist jumping in puddles? One of my secret joys is going home after work lighting the log burner and relaxing on the couch while watching the flickering flames dancing in the fire box.  There can be nothing better on a dreary wet weekend than watching the rain, through the windows, pour from the heavens while inside the fire is burning and keeping me warm.  Given the state of the roads in my part of the city, post earthquake, and the fallen leaves in the gutters occasionally there is flooding, so careful navigation is required whilst driving as you try to avoid hidden potholes and wet brakes.

Daughter 2 dislikes our climate intensely, especially winter, and spends the time longing for hot summer days.  However, there is one thing that make winter bearable for her and that is the possibility of snow.  One of my earlier posts tells of her snow dance which has proven successful in the past (I have been known to join her in this endeavour).  As a city we are not very prepared when it comes to snow, so a decent snowfall can bring the city to a halt and people asked to stay home.  I, too, love the snow.  Watching the flakes (or fluffies as daughter 2 calls them) fall silently to the ground is magical.  The stillness of the air and the pristine layer of white that covers everything is breathtaking.  You cannot resist going outside to admire the beauty of nature and how the snow blankets imperfections making the landscape an awesome sight.  Deciduous trees that had been left naked by autumn are now more formally covered in white like brides waiting to walk the aisle.  Of course, throwing snowballs is all part of the fun.  It is not long before your gloves are soaked and at some stage numbness creeps into your fingers and you wonder if they will ever be the same again.  The more energetic or resilient create snowmen/women.  Drawing upon their imaginations to create the best design using all manner of props.  Then it is back inside to the comfort of the fire and hot drinks feeling smug because you were brave enough to experience the chill to venture out in the first place.

So as I sit here, warmly toasted by the heat of the log burner, I vow to try hard not to complain about whatever the weather gods throw at me over the next three months.  For each season has it's own charm and brigns with it an opportunity for new experiences.