Winter

I am writing this post from Aurora, Ontario, Canada. Normally I would be in Nassau, Bahamas, but I find myself unexpectedly in the middle of a Canadian winter.

In Nassau, Bahamians think it's cold when the temperature goes down to 60 degrees F., and I laugh at the black Bahamians bundled in their ski jackets, toques and mittens. In Aurora, I would be thrilled if the temperature were to go up to 60 degrees. Right now, it's about 12 degrees, and I feel silly bundled up in my layers to protect against the cold.

I arrived in Aurora in the midst of a snowstorm that didn't stop until more than 24 hours after my arrival. I had forgotten how beautiful snow can be. I bundled up and went out walking. The snow was deep and fluffy, and virtually untouched in many places I walked. Several days later, the temperature dropped. I went walking in the same area. I had forgotten how cold snow could be. Now it was crunchy instead of fluffy. There was a grating sound each time I stepped. Where it had been walked on, the snow had turned to ice. I have to walk head down so as to see where I am putting my feet. If I walk head up, it's all too easy to slip. Aurora has more chiropractor's offices than anywhere else I have ever been.

If I walk head up, I can see ice in another place. On the eaves of the houses, icicles have been forming. I am reminded that snow was once water, and if you shine the sun on it, it melts, even at 12 degrees F. I had forgotten how beautiful icicles can be.

I have been sending photos to friends and family in Nassau. Those who don't know why I'm here think I'm crazy to be here at all. Who would choose to go to Canada in the winter? Those who know why I'm here are very sympathetic and try to reassure me that it's cold at home too. I'd probably find it chilly even if I were there. I agree, and then point out that here the insides of houses are warm. In Nassau, the houses aren't made for that kind of cold. I wonder if next winter in Nassau, I, too. will complain when it goes down to 60 degress F. I have asked my friends to remind me of this experience the next time I start complaining about Nassau.