The colors of winter paint the landscape outside my window. Towering silver maples cast steel blue shadows two lots long. The snow between these shadows sparkles slate blue and slate gray. Remnants of snow creations softened by time stoically stand in blobs around the yard. Cornflower blue tints the sky, fading to light steel blue on the horizon. Snow lays a foot deep on the rooftops and ice damns creep menacingly over the edges, some with ice sickles two feet long.

Only 5 weeks past the winter solstice and the rising sun feels warmer. The wintering birds practice their territorial songs, in-between filling up on sunflower seeds from the feeders in the yard.  

Blue, winter, cold, still; yet the countdown to spring has begun. 
Copyright kittycooks, January 30, 2010  22 degrees

The last snowstorm is past and subzero temps have settled upon us.  Snow lays a bluish blanket across the garden and ice makes for treacherous travel.  A thick, hard crust lays over the pukak, an Inuit word for “salt like snow”, the soft and airy layer below. 

The crust creates huge lightweight blocks; my children’s snow sculptures and towers decorate the yard.  Remember the game of walking across the crust, giggling with delight when you or your playmate broke through sinking deep into the snow?  I am not so light or lucky and have to punch my trails with thoughtful determination. 

Rodents thrive in the soft pukak, creating extensive tunnels for windless travel shielded from hawks and owls.  They easily retrieve their nuts and seeds digging in the pukak next to the ground.  Mice create sleeping nests snuggling in the dried grass and leaves.  This mixed layer of snow will protect the plant roots through the bitter cold, just as a layered jacket system protects us with a windbreak shell over fluffy down.  Place a thermometer under the snow near the ground – the temperature is around 30 degrees F. even when the air is minus 15.  Now isn’t that a cozy thought?
Copyright kittycooks, January 3, 2010.  Minus 15 degrees at 8:00 a.m.