In case there was any doubt about the place in which we reside (upper Midwest/Arctic region) the big dumping of white wet snow should have cleared that right up. The last two days have seen a very healthy accumulation of snow and people are quickly relearning their driving skills, how their back pains them so after an hour of shoveling, how to dress warmly to avoid skin exposure... ah, yes, winter is back in Minnesota.
Everything is coated in snow -- street signs are unreadable, trees are encased and burdened down, lawns have disappeared. It is very beautiful. In fact, when I am out shoveling, I feel I have to be careful and not disturb the natural beauty of how the snow has fallen. If I scoop up some leaves with the snow -- horror. I have to make sure to cover them up with some fresh snow so as to not mar the landscape. And I have to be extra careful when walking next to trees, shrubs and plants so I don't dislodge the thick white shell of snow. Sure, it's rather goofy, but I want to appreciate it while it looks so great.