Winter Comes

In Australia the approach of December means warm days, barbeques and swimming at the beach or in the pool. Here in America for most it means that snows and extreme cold are not far away. It means being a whole lot more careful on the road. It means not going outside unless you absolutely have to.

The summer driving season and baseball are far behind us. We have enjoyed the fall, Halloween and the overindulgence of Thanksgiving but the diversions to come in our times of human hibernation are plentiful and varied. For just one there are the televised sports. For the few months there is plenty of professional football, basketball and hockey. Yes that is hockey played on ice. These are the days we are thankful for wide screen, high definition television and centrally heated air. The hardy pioneers of America's past would hardly recognise their modern cousins. The more adventurous will head for the ski slopes at Bristol Mountain and snow mobile tracks in the Adirondacks but most of us will stay at home secured against the deep freeze.

All across the northern plains, the midwest, the north-east and New England we will welcome a White Christmas and yes, it really is a magic time. Growing up in Perth, Western Australia, the only thing white about Christmas was the sand on Cottesloe Beach. I am certainly not knocking the thought of a blisteringly hot Christmas day (I still miss those days) but there is something quite wonderful about snow on the ground, a warm fireplace and being all rugged up. Most Australians would give almost anything to experience just one White Christmas in their life.

Last night there was a little snow on the ground. It has melted now but soon it will be a permanent feature and we will shovel it or use a snow blower to remove it from the sidewalks. Yes, sidewalks. A little concession to our American cousins who get a bit confused when I say footpath. Snowblowers are, of course, something most Australians have little knowledge of, for very good reason, but in this part of the world if you have a driveway of any length you have to have a snowblower.

As an Australian it is a unique experience to live in America and I am so grateful for that opportunity. The winter will be long and by the middle of January the magic will be gone. Apart from the snow there is so much to write about. I will think about it so get back to me in a few days.