Life: Silent. Soft. Soothing.

The landscape has changed. Suddenly, all is white. A 3-inch layer of heavy, wet snow. Snow that clings to the branches. Especially on the fir trees. Limbs drooped. Weighted down. The last day of February. Minnesota white. Which means the scene will be around for only a day or two. Maybe only a few hours. I like it. The cleanliness, the freshness, the magnificence of it all. And soon I will clear the driveway. And breathe the crisp, damp air. Spring. Spring. Spring is coming. New life. But I'm in no hurry. Because even in the bleak beauty of winter, there is life. Silent. Soft. Soothing. --Jim Broede