The road into the northern tip of Shenandoah National Park was closed today because of yesterday’s storm, which glistened the upper elevations with ice and sleet. It made for a rare occasion of walking along Skyline Drive with no cars. The normally busy road and popular trails probably enjoyed their rest as the melting ice showered the park in slush, puddles and drips.  Paired with the blue sky and cool temperatures, it was a spectacular combination. After walking south for a few miles and then returning to the car, the day got even better with a trip to Front Royal’s Apple House, and their magical apple butter and cinnamon-dusted doughnuts. All in all, an excellent escape from urban life.

It’s been snowy and blustery in Telluride for the past few days, turning Bonnie into a little snowbunny. While I try not to subject myself to huge gusts of icy snow blowing into my face unless I’m on my snowboard, she thrives on it. She’ll roll around in the drifts, face directly into the wind like a supermodel posing for the camera, and play with frozen sticks for hours – dropping them down the hills before chasing after them, as if it were a surprise that the stick had rolled away. Yes, life as a dog in the snow is pure heaven. Especially when you’re lured inside with treats and given belly rubs while your owner dries the snow off your fur. Then you can beg to go outside all over again. Ah, winter.