The Plan for Winter

photo from: Penebscott Bay Real Estate

I have a long way to go. (#4)

I just visited April Atwater's blog where I was asked what my Top 10 activities of winter were. The first, I'm sure, you'll have no problem guessing. The rest took a moment as I thought back over my winters here in Utah. This is the list I came up with:

1. Skiing- of course. This is pretty much all I think about year round.

2. Full moon snowshoe hike- I was invited to do this on a first date with a guy who turned out to be pretty fantastic. However, things progress and ultimately the magic of this activity stuck around long after he did. ;) What increased the enjoyment of the winter night: At the end of the trail he built some snow benches for us to sit on then whipped out a thermos full of hot chai. While I sipped the spicy brew, he recited some Pablo Neruda poetry under the midnight mountain sky. It was .... amazing.

3. Sledding with "grownup" kids- namely: your best friends

4. Build the tallest snowman you can - borrow your friends' shoulders to complete the task.

5. Write giant messages in a snowfield for someone you love, then either take them up there or send a photo if they're far away.

6. Take photos of the "feelings" of winter- stillness, serenity, loneliness, etc. Try to find the beauty in the more monotone landscapes- gives appreciation for winter & the other seasons, too

7. Have a campfire in the snow - get all your friends together for what's usually a summer activity. It's fun to be bundled up, roasting marshmallows and sipping hot chocolate.

8. Get ready for Christmas- caroling, making handmade gifts, enjoying the winter festivities that cities put on during the season.

9. Getting cozy with a loved one - head to a cabin with a fireplace and cuddle up on a big comfy couch with a book or some old photos.

10. Watch the snow fall- there's nothing that calms me more than watching big, fat flakes falling all around me. It's serene, beautiful and... gets me excited for #1. ;)

What's in your Top 10?