I’m a cold-weather junkie. I don’t bother with a coat until the thermometer dips below 40 degrees, and if it’s snowing, all the better. I told my husband that this year I would be seeking a place to visit that had snow and as luck had it, I found my snow early in the winter. I mean after all, it is only November.
Recently, my Maryland Besties, the Wild Women of West Virginia Wine Group, gathered for our annual holiday party. This year, with retirement just around the corner, I didn’t have to juggle schedules or clear time off with a manager. I simply got in the car and drove. Seven hours later, after deciding to make the trip in a single day, I arrived in Maryland ready to celebrate.
The weather was clear and sunny all day, which was perfect, because as much as I love snow, I don’t particularly enjoy driving in it. I stayed with a friend, and the next morning I woke to find snow falling. We cancelled our plans, and I brewed a cup of coffee, settled by the window, and simply watched. There is nothing more relaxing or peaceful than snow drifting softly to the ground.
When it snows the world grows hushed, as if the snow absorbs noise. It creates a cocoon of quiet, a pause in the usual rhythm of life, which I absolutely adore. It is such a nice change from the daily sights and sounds.
By afternoon, the snow had stopped, and we were able to keep our evening plans—our annual holiday party. I’ve known these wonderful women for more than twenty years. Though we no longer see each other regularly, whenever we gather it feels as if time and distance have never come between us. We spend the first hour catching up and then it is just easy back and forth banter.
We enjoyed a wonderful dinner prepared by our host, Diane, who also mixed a cocktail that was downright lethal. Halfway through my first glass, I was already feeling no pain. It started as a classic cosmopolitan, but she amped up the flavor, and the potency, by topping it with prosecco.
Once we were happily sated by the amazing dinner, we moved on to our usual gift swap game. I’m sure many of you play a version of it at your holiday gatherings. The twist this year was that there was very little stealing, normally the most entertaining part, since even if you pick a gift you love, there’s no guarantee you’ll take it home. For some reason, our friend Pat always chooses the best gifts, and they’re inevitably stolen from her. The upside is that she gets to pick again…and again.
It was so wonderful to see everyone and have it snow early in the season!
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