More Winter, Please

Monet, Lentamente cae la nieve en silencio

The only way that I remotely survive the subzero temps of a New England winter without constant complaint is through the enjoyment of the snow. But this year has left us with so little accumulation, I just might have to start whining! Fortunately, the Pesky Library has kept great reads in my lap so I have spent an inordinate amount of time snuggled near the fireplace with my faithful cocker spaniel and 2 cats, reading. The lack of the fluffy white stuff has me a bit bummed though. Alas, if you have any similar seasonal resentment of mother nature, head on over to our beautiful Snowflake display this month. It will definitely put a smile on your face. Maybe if you bite into a peppermint patty at the same time you behold the magic and mystery of snowflakes and ice crystals, you might really start to believe that you are living in a wintery wonderland. A Currier and Ives postcard! An Impressionist painting in winter!

Also explained in the display is the overused phrase of how "every snowflake is different". William Bentley, also known as Snowflake Bentley, was the one who discovered this truth. A self-educated scientist, farmer and photographer, he was the first person to photograph a single snowflake. He called each one a "miracle of beauty".

In reality however, most snowflakes are not quite the idealized vision of symmetry and beauty that might immediately come to mind. Generally speaking, the majority of snowflakes are misshapen and asymmetrical.  They are ice crystals in a constant flux of shape and size according to temperature.

Ms. Slater has also added to the seasonal flair in the library by displaying an array of holiday greeting cards from the school archives.These relics further indulge any desire to fantasize more about grandiose snowfalls with idealized snapshots of wintry New England scenes of the mansion house, snow covered sculptures on campus and festive horse drawn wagon prints.

Again, break out the peppermint patties. Do you remember these commercials from the 1970's? Go ahead and click on this to "Get the sensation"!

1979 York Peppermint Patty commercial

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So, if you too, are longing for a bit more winter like me, come on into the library to chase
those blues away. Check out the wintry displays and a good book to keep you company
until Mother Nature is willing to cough up some of the good stuff!

FullSizeRender.jSo, if you are feeling at all at a loss due to the uncovered sledding hills and x-country trails, come on in to the library to get a little lesson in snowflakes and maybe check out a good read while you are at it. Until the snow flies, that's how I plan to avoid the winter blues.