November 15, 2024.
Today we were going to Fallon, NV. It is 112 miles away, but we go there quite often for groceries and other necessities, such as pellets for the stove in winter. We also had a date with the hairdresser, one that we both look forward to as a luxury, and to moderate the ill effects of our unmanageable hair. Also, in Fallon we can go out to lunch (with our new haircuts), which I adore.
My first look out the front door this morning.
But we woke up to snow. A lot of snow. And the 112 drive to Fallon involves, well, 112 miles of road—on Highway 50, the loneliest road in America. Over three mountain passes. The weather service (which, thank goodness we still have, for now) predicted more snow throughout the day. No hope of everything clearing up soon.
So, we cancelled our trip to Fallon. But the day was far from lost.
I read an article with my morning coffee: “Cold Comfort: You Can Loathe Winter, Or You Can Embrace It with These Cool Strategies” by Amy Maclin (Real Simple, November 2024, 43-44). I have never loathed winter, but I realize it is a thing some people do, so I am always intrigued by the concept. This article briefly describes the research of Kari Leibowitz, PhD, “a confirmed winter hater.” The result of her research is her book, How to Winter: Harness Your Mindset to Thrive on Cold, Dark, or Difficult Days.
Three main points of the “survival guide” are: 1. Focus on Opportunities, Not Obstacles. 2. Don’t Assume Winter & Depression Go Hand in Hand. 3. Make Sure You Get Outside.
I already pretty much have #1 & #2 managed. Always have. Opportunities to read more, write more, bake more, make chili and soup more, light candles and fires more, wear cozy thick socks and turtleneck sweaters more, drink eggnog more … (I could go on…). Check. As for assuming winter would make me depressed. No. I realize that seasonal affective disorder is real, it is just not one of my personal disorders (I have a few of those, but none of them are cold/snow/winter/holiday related!).
#3 is the one that spoke to me today. I do go outside in the winter. I really do! I usually walk every day, or almost every day, but I also love to lounge around the house in my pajamas. Anyway, this morning after reading admonition #3, Mr. P and I pulled out our ski pants from storage and started up the Rhino, our old side-by-side 4-wheel trail vehicle. We have only ever used it in the spring, summer and fall before, around town and out on the mountain trails across the road. Never in the winter. Today seemed like a good day to try it out in the snow.
The Rhino just getting started! It performed beautifully even up on the higher trails outside of town.
Breaking a fresh trail over the first ridge of the mountain was exhilarating! What a wonderful ride. It was not unlike snowmobiling. And we were the only ones out there. The only trails we saw were deer tracks once we passed the first half mile. It was more than wonderful to get outside!
And, of course, it’s ever so lovely to come back inside to a warm house, a fire, and your lounging cats.
The perfect warm snack when we arrived home (I think that falls under #1. Focus on Opportunities….)
Wishing you all the most beautiful of days and nights, whatever that means for you. Much love, Lori
LakeArrowheadLadyWriter 
I forgot to say what the perfect warm snack was! It’s just fried Provolone cheese on Club crackers (Thanks, Linda, for the reminder about the joys of fried cheese recently!)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha! What an honor to be part of your perfect winter day in a small way! Love it that you got out in the Rhino. Makes me wish I had a partner in crime to go outside and play on days like this. But I am also happy to stay in my pj’s and read soaking in the warmth of the pellet stove!
After a quiet day by the pellet stove, our church in Kingston had a Friendsgiving dinner welcoming all. It was already dark and still snowing, but I forced myself to get dressed and go. As I parked my car, I was met with an arm to guide me so I would not fall as it was slippery and a young man to carry my offering for the potluck. The gathering was amazing with a Thanksgiving feast and a great turnout in our small town! What a gathering to be thankful for our neighbors!
Linda McMahon
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh I love that, Linda! I can imagine that beautiful gathering! So thankful for neighbors, family, and friends!
LikeLiked by 1 person
wonderful winter Friday with my wife and friend who loves to play in the snow ❄️
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes! Such fun!
LikeLike
Love the pics… the nimbleness of going with nature’s flow…and your inclusion of “survival guide” thoughts. Thank you, Lori. Such a perfect title for your post — and concluding with yummy cheese and crackers? Cheers to all of that. And pajama days. Gah. That, too. Xo! ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
I thought I replied to you, Vicki, but I don’t see it, so I will try again! I love your use of the word “nimbleness!” Yes, that’s a perfect way to describe it- maybe it’s like practicing yoga 🧘♂️- flow and nimbleness. ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, yes! Thanks Lori — good to be flexible and ready to stretch! 🥰
LikeLiked by 1 person
I didn’t realize you lived up in the mountains, Lori. The 112-mile drive to get the hair done or groceries isn’t something I would do. You are one tough lady!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like the sound of being tough—just not sure I deserve it! It’s been a great adventure and I’ve met wonderful people here.
LikeLike
My husband’s family used to live in southern Idaho. Years ago we used to have to fly into Reno and then drive several hours to reach them. I was so glad when they put a large airport in Boise! I don’t know if it was on one of those trips or one when we visited my husband’s brother in CA and then drove up–but I remember driving (or rather, my husband was driving) through a part of Nevada, and every time I looked up from my book, the landscape was the same. Every stop had a store, gas station, and casino, and that was it. I don’t know if we were on that highway you mentioned, but it was very lonely!
Winter is not my favorite season . . . but it does have its pleasures.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi, Barbara. Lots of mountains and open range in Central and Northern Nevada! I haven’t taken the drive up to Idaho, but I imagine it would be pretty wide open. Hoping you enjoy your winter pleasures and enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving. Thanks so much for writing! 🥰
LikeLiked by 1 person