Friday, January 07, 2011

In the shallow end


I think it has been so long my blogging muscle is atrophied.


I feel like social mores demand that I cannot just dive back into our normal intimacies without wading in the shallow end for a moment. For this reason, today I shall discuss the weather.


You might remember that every summer (April through October), I whine about the weather. As any self-respecting recovering Southern Californian would do, I curse the hot desert sun, and lament my sweaty armpits and my loud and raucous children who cannot play outside because they might get second degree burns or heatstroke. Now, though, it is chilly, and I would like to point out to all that I HAVE NOT COMPLAINED EVEN ONE TIME ABOUT THE COLD.


That is because I love it.


Last week we had a huge storm coming in, so after I got done watching the TV weather people soil themselves with glee over having something to do and talk about, I packed up all the kids and pestered Jake till he came home from work. (Reluctantly. Jake is from Nebraska and does not enjoy cold weather.) Just before we left for Payson in our minivan of the bald tires, it began to snow! Here, in our backyard! And on the golf course! And at the Costco! And on the palm trees! It was very, very thrilling. Then, we got to Payson, and we almost couldn't get up the hill to the cabin, there was so much snow. And it then it kept snowing, and I kept loving it and not whining! And then I spent New Year's Eve watching a House Hunters International Marathon (no cable at home, you'll remember), where there were ruins to renovate in Portugal, and fixer-uppers in the Casbah, and all the while the fire was burning and the snow was falling and Jake kept bringing me Nestle Drumsticks and fizzy white grape juice to my bed, where I was curled up reading Ruth Reichl's Garlic and Sapphires (during commercials). 'Twas a magical holiday.








And now, our highs are about the normal 70, and it is sunny, and our lawn is green and the grapefruits are sweet and pink inside and are falling off the trees. I feel extravagant. Joyful. Full of lovely vitamin D. And C.

And then in June, or maybe some 100 degree October day, instead of shaking my fist at the sky and cursing, I shall come back to read this, to remember why it is we live here in the desert.

9 comments:

Barbaloot said...

I think it very big of me to not complain about the lovely weather you're having while I'm busy scraping my windshield on a regular basis.

Hailey said...

Well, then I expect it to be PERFECT for my arrival in March, because by that point in time, I will be dying to get off this here island.

jt said...

Kelly the photos look fantastic. Did you take them with the new lense(s)?

Beeswax said...

Barbaloot, it is big of you. I apologize for bragging.

Hailey, yeah! March! But is ironic, since my mom and jen are trying to get me to wean the baby so we can go see you in New York! We are dying for a trip!

And Jane, yes, tried out new lenses! I need some sort of class. U know of any, or would u teach me some stuff?

Hildie said...

Great pics! I haven't had a white Christmas in years. It might be nice, but I hate taking Christmas on the road. Such a drag.

I love Ruth Reichl! Have you read Comfort Me With Apples. It's one of my all-time faves.

Brett and Shireen Olsen said...

I'm so glad you're back to blogging, I have missed you. Snow looks fun, but I'm with Jake - no love for the super cold weather from me. Especially since it froze some of my beautiful trees and killed half my herb garden (even though all were covered). Sad times. The photos look great, happy new year!

Ninety-Nine Lives said...

I just love pictures of kids playing in the snow!! What a beautiful time of year!

Wonder Woman said...

The snow and ice here have been out of control! It's been fun but kind of annoying, too. I've tried hard not to complain.

Kristen said...

I don't believe you that it snowed in Gilbert.