Frosty Snow

dog enjoys a walk even in the sleet of December

Daily Note

Every day, a photograph, a poem. It’s about 33°F and the rain has turned to sleet, falling to the ground as frosty snow, dusting Guthrie in white. It’s December, and the weather is usually a bit colder, at least that’s what it’s been for years. We enter very cold weather in January and February. But these days, one never knows because the weather patterns have changed due to climate change.

How fortunate we are to have electricity to keep us warm. Our walk today is at North Dam that holds back Banks Lake. The area is part of the path of power lines that lead to transfer stations to distribute the power across the northwest US from Grand Coulee Dam.

We thought we’d take a short walk, but we had bundled up in winter coats, boots, scarves, gloves, and hats so after about ten minutes, we felt warm enough to keep going for the dog, who, and I repeat myself, ran and ran and ran, exploring everywhere and sniff every message left for him by other creatures. He does not mind the weather, not rain or sleet or snow. I imagine the heat might be hard on him this summer so, luckily, we have the lake for him to swim in, if he swims.

These are our days now: every minute is checking on the dog, who mostly sleeps when we get home. He’s our family now, so we want to be sure he’s happy and healthy. After all, the happiness of seeing a wagging tail and devoted eyes is a heart-capturing feeling that only a dog can give.