Frosty Shenandoah Valley Sunrise

23 degrees!! I love “chilly weather” but 23 degrees isn’t chilly; it’s cold, and I do NOT like the cold. With teleworking,  I fortunately didn’t have to drive anywhere, but dogs will be dogs, which meant a 7:00 am walk around the yard.

As often happens, a dreaded walk in the cold turned into a moment to enjoy. With no wind, clear skies, and heavy moisture in the air, a thick layer of frost fell overnight. My dreary winter landscape was now a frosted world that brought to mind sugar plums and candied citrus, and the promise of spring, though hidden, was there in the frost-covered buds of the trees. It was beautiful and fleeting, lasting only until the warm rays of sun broke over the tops of the forest and melted the glistening grains.

I know I won’t jump out of bed with anticipation on cold mornings, but at least now I will have a bit of hope that the walk around the yard will be a pretty one!

*** This site is comprised solely of the opinions of its author, Stacey Morgan Smith. She works to promote gardening and tourism in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, from Roanoke to the Potomac River.***