Dust of Snow

The way a crow
Shook down on me
The dust of snow
From a hemlock tree

Has given my heart
A change of mood
And saved some part
Of a day I had rued.
~ Robert Frost

It finally snowed here in my little corner of the world! After a couple of disappointing, hyped-up weather systems that brought warm air and rain, we were finally rewarded for our patience (because really, what other choice did we have?).

The forecast called for about two inches of snow overnight last night – we actually got about five inches of beautifully perfect, fluffy snow!

To say I was excited is an understatement. I was up at dawn, dressed and pulling on my boots. I walked into my front yard and nearly squealed with delight at the sound of my boots crunching and squeaking in the snow as snowflakes melted on my cheeks. I looked up, closed my eyes, and just smiled at the sky.

It was so quiet and peaceful – just me and Maggie wandering around the yard, looking at the Christmas lights glowing on the tree branches under the snow. It wasn’t just normal early morning quiet, but that special hush that happens during a snowfall.

That’s actually a real thing – and there’s a reason for it! When the fluffy snow accumulates, air pockets are created, which absorbs sound. Sound waves get trapped in those air pockets, preventing them from traveling up to our ears. Basically, snow is nature’s soundproofing insulation. It only takes about two inches of snow to have this effect and absorb up to 60% of ambient sounds. I love cool little science facts like that!

In the afternoon, Luke and I took Maggie for a proper romp in the snow on one of our favorite trails through meadows and woods. There’s something extra special about snow in December. It just complements the holiday season so well and looks so beautiful with the Christmas lights and decorations. It’s like getting to spend time inside a magical Christmas snow globe. The three of us were very happy with our pretty December snow globe day.

Cliffdale Farm Trail – Teatown Lake Reservation