NEWLY FALLEN SNOW.

It was still more than two hours before daylight, but when I got up and looked out the window and saw that a layer of snow had fallen, I noticed how illuminating the new snow was! Sometime overnight, we got a new layer of snow had fallen, coating everything. There was no moon, but still it looked bright out with the new snow.

Our recent warm trend had melted all the ice and snow buildup off the sidewalks and streets, and what was there now was just like a blanket covering everything.

I am in the process of purchasing a new treadmill, but until I actually get it delivered, its either go to the gym or run outside. Today would be an outside run. It looked so inviting in fact. If I have to live in a snow state, this is the kind of day that makes it all tolerable.

The temperature was moderate, in the 20s, but with no wind. So I layered up--two pair of tights, two shirts, two pair of gloves, and headed out with my Yak Trax and my purple and green "Barney" coat.

Its always fun to make the first steps in fresh snow, but alas, a nocturnal creature beat me to that in the driveway. And there were also footsteps already on the sidewalk. When I lived out in the country, I only had to compete with four-footed, nocturnal creatures for an early morning run. In the city, you still have to get out there pretty early to be first.

Just as I was thinking this, I sensed someone behind me, and sure enough another runner--at least that's what he looked like--was coming up behind me. He went way around me on the grass and looked like he was carrying a bag of dog poo! I don't know why he was carrying a small bag all tied up like that--he had no dog with him. Strange things you see in the morning.

I ran down the street where people were out now shoveling in front of their church, right next to a school which was a voting location for the dog and pony show of a primary taking place today and that we in Michigan are so happy to be paying for, in addition to our new taxes since the first of the year. The polls weren't open yet, but the workers were there setting up. I crossed over the street then and went down a small private drive to get back to the main street. No footsteps here!

Further down, though, more tracks in the snow. One thing I like about just an inch or two of newly fallen snow is that it makes a nicely cushioned running surface, before it gets beaten down and icy.

I felt like I did not want to stop. It was very quiet and relaxing, like being in a snow globe, with just a few flakes drifting down. At one point, I saw where rabbit, cat, and human tracks criss-crossed each other, busy little creatures that they are!

But it was time to circle back and head up the hill and back home. The snow was caking up on my Yak Trax now, making it feel like I had stiletto heels on when I stamped it off. Once home, all the magic would be gone with the newly fallen snow, since I would then have to clear the walk and some of the driveway.

I still don't like winter.