When I got up at about 6:30 this morning, I looked out the window and saw a winterscape. It was gorgeous. The sky was heavy and gray. Within a few minutes snow began to fall, though it had obviously been falling during the night. Trees and shrubs and grass—all covered with a fresh layer of snow.
I was delighted. My calendar for the day was totally clear. There was no reason, compelling or otherwise, for me to leave the house. I could wear old, comfy clothes and spend the day reading or some other sedentary activity. Maybe, if I got energized, I might bake something delicious. All my options are open.
10 AM and 36 degrees: Turns out, it’s not that easy to take a snow day on the Olympic Peninsula this season. At 10:00 am Dave said “well, you know what time it is.” And I did. When he uses that tone of voice, it’s time to take a walk. I was just about to tell him no, that I’m taking a snow day.
But then I looked out the window. To my shock and surprise, a bright blue sky with puffy white clouds had replaced that dark foreboding sky. It did, indeed, look like a walk might be a good idea. Then I checked the thermometer.
Dave and I take two walks a day, but I have some hard and fast rules. I don’t walk in the rain or snow and the minimum temperature for a walk is 40 degrees.At the moment, it was 34. But Dave was undeterred, and he prepared to go out in the cold. He added one layer of clothing and took off.
I went downstairs and got on the treadmill. We’ve read all those horrid articles about how to stay healthy and live a longer life. Evidently, one must exercise, and walking is highly recommended, so I started my walk. Actually, sometimes I like walking on the treadmill better than outdoors. I can set the speed and it’s always a bit faster than when we walk outdoors, especially because there are precious few sidewalks on our path. And, of course, there’s tv.
NOON and 38 degrees: After the treadmill walk, I checked, and it was getting warmer. The snow was dripping off the trees and retreating off the grass. The sky was still beautifully blue. The sun was shining brightly. So much for my snow day.
No more lounging around. Without the protective embrace of actual snow falling from that big gray sky, I felt compelled to be productive. I was grumpy. I did the laundry.
3 PM and 40 degrees: The sky is still a lovely shade of blue and it appears the snow is evaporating. Time for an attitude adjustment. After all, nature is way more powerful than I am. I was ready to be snowed in and enjoy the coziness of it, but this is the Pacific Northwest. It feels almost sinful to begrudge the change in weather. I mean, who doesn’t love a sunny day in late February? The very last day of February in fact.
So I surprised Dave by suggesting we go for a second walk. I added a sweatshirt and my coat and off we went. And, you know what? It wasn’t really that cold. Well, my face was cold but otherwise I was comfortable. As always, it felt good to stretch out my legs. And, of course, the sense of moral superiority for overcoming inertia and actually getting out and walking in 40 degrees put an extra spring in my steps.
7PM and 38 degrees: Day is done. It’s dark now. As the day was coming to an end, the clouds started rolling in. Turned out to be a good day with a few tasks completed, 2 walks done, and a good salmon dinner. I managed to avoid pouting because I didn’t get my relaxing snow day. Instead, I got some exercise and a few tasks done. And writing to you. Pretty good.
I so look forward to this every week. Whether it warms my heart, makes me laugh out loud, or causes me to ponder the meaning of life, I am always blessed.
Penny (and never Rob btw ;)