Winter Is Here...When's Spring??

It's the first full day of winter today in Minnesota and the shortest day of the year.  I am always excited to reach this day...not because it will soon be Christmas (ok...I am excited for Christmas too-still a bit of a kid in me) ...but rather because the days will start to get longer and springtime will soon be here.  At least that's what I have convinced myself to believe which does seem to help the days of winter to pass by a bit quicker.

So far this year we have had 34" of snow and I have been getting good workouts with the snow blower.  Thank goodness we have one or we would probably be still digging out from the first storm.  It's always amazing how a bit of snow turns driving into a nightmare here and with having 7 snow events already I am thankful to not have been out in the horrid traffic.  As it is I still haven't caught up with shoveling the deck.

I find myself this holiday season reflecting on the past year and 2010 has been a bit of a rough year.  I still find myself thinking mom is calling when my cell phone rings in the evening even though I know it can't be her. Some people have said it is always hard when you lose a parent and harder still when you lose your last parent and I can certainly attest to just how hard it is.  Don't get me wrong...it was very hard to lose my father but I still had mom...now I'm not so sure what I have without both of them.  All I can say is love your family and friends like you won't see them again...that way one never wonders 'what if.'

So...for now I'll go and wrap those last few presents and enjoy the holiday season as best as one can.  Or maybe I'll go take a nap with Jake...wonder what he's dreaming of? 

Until next time may each of you have a Merry Christmas and wonderful time however you chose to celebrate this holiday season!!