A Fine January

I prefer winter to winter

River ice forming in Argo Pond, just before the dam. January 16, 2024. Photo by author, © Dawn Nelson.

At this 42nd parallel north, winter is unique to January and February. In recent years it’s only dabbled in the months surrounding. When I was young, the winter season danced from November through early April.

Not so much anymore.

I prefer winter to winter. This past December was mild, but the ides of January are suddenly quite cold. Frost on…