I think I was more intelligent four years ago. Is that possible? From reading these posts it would appear that my literary ability peaked in about 2005. I suppose I could be more forgiving of myself, in the last two years or so I have had no desire to properly share my thoughts on any subject online, let alone consider sharing something worth composing an actual blog entry for.
I still feel no such inclination; I am, however, entirely awake because I've consumed a pot and a half of coffee today, after fasting from coffee and chocolate for two weeks, and am feeling the lingering effects of a caffeine rush.
So what to post on? Well, most notable was my winter experience this Saturday: Sharon's friend invited us to go snowshoeing in the country. It was beautiful. Bright sunshine warming a crisp white winter day. The air smelling like freshly fallen snow, fir trees and woodsmoke. The sound of chikadees and crunching snow. Dazzling smiles and laughter. Winter perfection. The land we were on was completely undeveloped, with only ski-doo trails and the occasional trail for cross-country skis... and trails from rabbits and deer and wolves and any other number of wildlife. The sun was bright with the snow so white and the trees so green; it was like a paradise. My joy at being able to experience it was so intense. To escape a city full of manicured parks and man-made canals, with it's dirty slush and well dressed all people heading to meaningful employment.
I do admit that I have a much better appreciation for the beauty of Ontario now: I can picture woods full of lakes and rivers and deer. It is an impression of something much larger than Nova Scotia's woods and something tougher than the lush forests of BC. Something that I wish I had more time to explore. I understand why 'heading to the cabin for the weekend' means so much to some people. You need the space to breath.
We also did a bit of skidooing and had venison stew for dinner. It was brilliant. I can't wait for the tree tapping party in the spring.
I'd also like to note that our host was from BC, and that I felt almost as at home there as I have felt at any number of my dad's 'country' friends' houses. It was a wonderful feeling.
