The seemingly endless blanket of sparkling white snow on the ground exceeded the top rail of our deck this week, blocking the view of the brilliant white valley below. The rows of pear trees below the house appear to have shrunk. Their trunks are hidden beneath the snow. Only the upper branches can be seen, stretching their crooked fingers upward as if beseeching the skies above to set them free.

The excitement of snow days for the kids and appreciation of the beauty of the crystal carpet covering the outside world is waning. I worry about my fish lying below the ever-thickening ice on the koi pond’s surface. My husband worries about the deer, snow birds, quail and crow searching for dwindling food resources, their supply covered with an ever-rising snow line. Everyone worries when someone has to venture out onto the country roads and highways, in spite of the amazing job our road crews have done in keeping the main arteries open.