With his tiny feet resting on the snow’s surface, he pecked at the weeds growing inside the roof eaves. The only plants not covered in snow. I love birds, and felt pity for that brave little guy. I wondered how he could find enough to eat and keep warm.
Our 8 suitcases bulged with the few things we owned, including eight teddy bears! Other than one box stored with my parents and the scarce money we had, it was all we owned in the world. But finally, we were ready to leave! Mission field here we come!
Winter is usually brief in our area, no matter what the calendar says. We get more rain than snow. Most years the cold doesn’t start until December or January and starts to wane by the end of February. This year it blew in with a vengeance, with temperatures below average. And with extra strong winds, which of course makes it seem even colder.
At the risk of sounding like a doomsday prophet I’d say difficult times are upon us and bound to get worse. Financial woes, unstable governments, alarming Great Resets, crumbling values. There are also existential threats to health and the environment, according to experts.
Scientists tell us that even hurricanes bring some benefit. Though violent, these storms purify the ocean by breaking up bacteria and bringing fresh oxygen. They also carry much-needed rain and replenish inland plant life and barrier islands.¹
Signora Sheila