We were awake at four this morning so we took a peek at the snowstorm. Being the middle of the night, we could not see much, just enough to know that snow was falling heavily. Daylight brought a better look and the realization that, true to the forecast, snow lay heavy across the landscape. There is much blowing and drifting but we are confident that well beyond a foot of snow has fallen thus far, with more to come.
Jennie celebrated our snowed-in state by baking formerly frozen crescents and making strong black tea with warm milk. Not a bad way to begin the day.
This week we returned home from a month in Europe. Just before Christmas we visited a friend in London, then went to the Lake District for the marriage of two other friends. It was a splendid event, generating memories we will cherish for a long while! Christmas Eve we flew to Malaga, Spain, the beginning of a three-week wander through Andalusia. Perhaps this goes without saying, but there was no snow during our trip, although some of the mountains 
maintained the snow they received earlier in the season.
I quite intentionally ignored politics during our travels, breaking my self-imposed ban just prior to our return. When I did begin to catch up on events here in the U.S., I immediately found myself wanting to stay in Europe. This reticence to return quickly evolved into a profound sense of dread and despair, feelings that have persisted since our return.
The other night I was given a bit of insight into this powerful repulsion when I dreamed of childhood bullies. Kids and teens can be cruel, as can unconscious teachers, when dealing with disabled others, and the hurts inflicted on my young self still smart. That we (and Britain) have leaders that take pleasure in publicly humiliating persons who are in any way disabled, creates an environment completely lacking in safety, one that is simply much too familiar.
Of course, these same politicians attack other groups with equal, or greater, fierceness, seemingly taking great pride in inflicting immense harm on entire groups of persons. That they do so without challenge by so many others, including the vast majority of those in their respective parties, casts a deep pall of threat over the everyday lives of us on the receiving end.
Dreaming the World 
I trust that you teach and model peace and respect wherever you travel, including just out your front door. I’m glad you do and appreciate the effort it takes. Please continue!
I was not always the best of persons on this trip, although I think I only really lost it once. Perhaps, you will appreciate this brief story.
We were waiting for a wheelchair in the Montreal airport. Things were rather chaotic and it took the wheelchair a while to arrive. At one point an airport staff person came over and told us what a relief it was to see two people smiling and being friendly, that such a thing was unusual. My response was to say, “really?”, to which the other person said, “sadly so.”
That was on the first day of our trip and we tried to keep it in mind throughout.
quite a storm brewed there, Michael!
embracing nature’s furry
seems more tolerable
than the storm being
imposed on us
by the rich & powerful 🙂
Yes, Nature is just expressing herself in her own timeless way. Am glad to be inside though!
So glad you had a chance to get out of the country and surround yourself with different influences. Stay warm. The wind is howling here, too, but thankfully not much snow, and bitter cold temps tonight.
The snow is finally winding down. Deep with much drifting so difficult to know how much has fallen. Forecast is for a few more light inches. Yes, the trip was lovely and we came to deeply appreciate the Spanish people. We will think fondly of the southern Spanish sun during these next couple of frigid days.
I spent 2 weeks in Galicia last May…another beautiful part of Spain. Still haven’t gotten around to even write a blog post about it!
I am wondering whether, or how long before, I will write a post about Spain. Galicia sounds awesome!
We are already plotting our return…..
I’m glad that you enjoyed your travels Michael and sorry that the peace of staying away from the news didn’t last. Hoping that you keep warm and safe in the snow.
Andrea, the storm has been fun. immensely cold with fierce snow that is now quite deep. Inside, we are just fine!