Winter Wonderland

Around this time of the year, I start to miss my home in Massachusetts with all of its winter wonderland charm, just a little. Here are two of my favorite pictures from back home. The larger one is of Lake Pontoosuc in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. In the distance, you can see the Berkshire Mountains, nestled in a valley of those mountains is North Adams, Massachusetts. The smaller picture is of Main Street in North Adams after a snow storm. It is a beautiful little city, at times.


Back to those mountains, over the top of the tallest one and half way down the other side of it is a little township called Monroe, Massachusetts. That is where I resided for 22 years. On cold winters days, I sometimes long to be back in Monroe. During the winter, as a child, I remember looking out my bedroom window to see the snow fall against the dark winter sky. The only sound during those snowy nights was often the town dump truck plowing the streets. It was something special to snuggle into a warm bed not knowing what amount of snow would be waiting when morning arrived. Would there be enough to cancel school or just enough to make the sledding extra good that afternoon? Back then, it was a sure to be surprise. If it was the latter, then the day would be longer then usual due to anticipation of fun after school, and the time after school until dark, would be even shorter than usual due to the winter wonderland of fun, but memories would be made just the same. And, it is these memories that I draw on during cold winter days where ever I call home. It is these memories that serve me well, no matter where I go. May your memories be filled with wonder. I wish each of you a very Merry Christmas and a happy near year of hope! Blessings to all!