Lake effect snow quietly falls on the first day of February.  Thus far it has been a relatively harsh winter. Temperatures have barely breached zero on the last couple of months.  There is roughly four feet of snow in the woods. 

Still in the mornings we are greeted with the song of the black capped chickadee. The sky holds enough light to get out sledding or skiing after work.  There is no doubt a couple of months remaining before spring yet my mindset has clearly seemed to have turned a page.  For now we are embracing the cold and snow. 

Elongated sunlight persists through spruce forest as I glide down hill. Woodsmoke wafts fluidly amongst the conifers. Dismounting my skis I quietly end my journey in the same place I began: my front door.  Cheeks bright from the subzero end descent I gather the night's firewood supply of poplar and birch and duck into the warm, snug cabin.