Winter Arrives, Steam Train and a Snowperson

Yesterday morning shortly after waking up and while doing my Tai chi, the snows of winter arrived. This was the scene from our deck. More snow fell during the day. We received nearly six inches of snow. Before retiring for the day, I heard the grader clearing the Knickerbocker parking lot across the street. In a few weeks Roman Candle Pizza will be opening just across the street from our apartment building. 

About 2:45 pm and after a heartwarming Holiday concert at our church, First Unitarian Society, a quick shopping trip, and a telephone call with our daughter, I bundled up and headed to the Prospect Gardens. I anticipated enjoying how snow transforms the Gardens while being grateful that a blanket of snow now protects the plants.


Yesterday's snow and winter is a new beginning. Without the pause of winter and the protecting snow, there would be no spring here in Wisconsin.  I wish the Gardens a peaceful rest. The next five pictures show some of what I enjoyed during my pleasant visit to the snowy Gardens.

A snow covered path goes through the Gardens. This is a view towards the west. The city usually plows the path early because of bikers and pedestrians. I met both during my walk. I watched as a father and two young sons skied by. One, about eleven, took a tumble and with the assistance of Dad, got back up on his skis.  A biker, dressed for the elements, passed me by, following tracks made by another biker. A bike with wide balloon tires plowed through the snow with the rider bent over and peddling with a determined expression on his face.

 

 Here's the lacy remnants of a Rudbeckia (Black Eye Susan). The snow now shelters its roots. May this protective blanket remain until the spring thaw.

 Here is one of the birdhouses with its snowy mantel on the roof. A species of staghorn sumac (Tiger Eyes) is in the forefront. Hopefully, birds will move into the house, build a nest and bring forth a new generation.

This little house is a spring and summer shelter for butterflies.  I noticed the circular mantel of snow perched on the roof.The snow adds beauty to the old picket fence in the background.  The fence is showing its age. It was here when trains rumbled by on what now is a commuter path.

When Emily, our daughter, was a fifth grader at nearby Randall School, she along with a small group of students and I interviewed former students of Randall. We interviewed former students form each decade since the school was opened, which at the time of interviewing totaled nine decades.  A women told us about the steam powered trains that would rumble through the neighborhood. When she and her friends would hear the train's whistle, they ran to the bridges over Harrison or Edgewood to experience the thrill of being engulfed by the bellowing steam pouring from the roaring engine.

Yesterday I heard no steam trains or roaring sounds as I walked through the Gardens and followed the commuter path. Just memories of them along with the stillness of snow and this enchanting snowperson. The accessories, except for the buttons, are plant remnants from the Gardens.

Note the sprigs of hair.  I'm imagining that a child, with the assistance of a parent or grandparent, made this wonderful winter symbol. May the joy and laughter of the creators, whoever they are, continue as we celebrate the holidays.