Weathering Winter

Ah, such exuberance!

As I was talking to a neighbor the other day. we started chatting about the "brisk" Michigan winters and she stated something to the fact that she was just searching for an opportunity to get the heck out of Dodge and move to a warmer climate.  Well I, being the Michigan Lover that I am, was actually saddened at her attitude.  Now, there's nothing wrong with this young gal wanting to flee the coldness that the Mitten is known for and I know there are many out there that feel the same.  I'm not particularly in love with the cold but I do enjoy the snow for the most part and I believe that it truly helps, in any seemingly unpleasant situation, to search for a golden nugget of fun. So, on this Snapshot Saturday I'll clue you in

on what my thought process is on not just living but embracing the Wonderful Winter. I sense some sneers and hecklers out there, but bear with me on my photo tour.  You may still want to fly like the Snowbird to seek out a warmer climate, but perhaps you'll gain a different perspective and MAYBE try to tolerate this fluffy and frigid season with a touch of fun and frolic.

Geez, we're just having too much fun

About four years ago, the Hubster and I decided to give snowshoeing a whirl.  We had already been trying to incorporate more exercise into our routine but at first hit a bit of a roadblock when the winter weather blew in.  Skiing was out for a quite a few reasons and ice skating was a disaster for me.  Snowmobiling is fun but it's not terribly aerobic and it's expensive.  Snowboarding was WAY out as well.  One of the few reasonable alternatives left was snowshoeing and it turned out to be a great fit for us.  The start up was relatively inexpensive...we bought a snowshoe kit that included the snowshoes, poles and carrying bag and it didn't break the budget. Actually, there are some parks that will loan you snowshoes for free.  You need some warm clothes, but heck, living here you probably already have that anyway!  And, of course, it's fabulous exercise. I think the best part of snowshoeing is taking in the pristine winter scenery.  Here are some examples...

  

Whiter whites

Peeking Sun

Focusing in on the tiny

I suppose my advice, as I did share with my neighbor to her possible disinclination, would be to find an activity enjoyable to you to keep you occupied and hopefully excited through the Winter's challenging weather.  So just change your attitude channel from "Eh, this stinks" to "Ah, adventure!"  Who knows what you may come up with?

Tada!  All better.

Oh no, Hubby got tangled in his snowshoes!