snow snow winter winter

...essentially, that is what defines madison at this point.

you know how some winters are kind? they touch down because they have to, because the midwest demands its change of seasons to feel fulfilled, but they make as little noise as possible while they're settled in and then happily pack up and make room for spring, not even insisting on a goodbye, just quietly moving out in the middle of some night? a reassuring midwife saying it doesn't have to be all bright lights and strapped down to machines to happen.

well this is not that kind of winter.

this is an egotistical winter. the kind that wants to prove its dominance over all of the other seasons, that's embarrassed to be associated with those self-effacing winters of the past and so seeks to distinguish itself. the kind that seems to harbor a resentment toward its recipients who, it knows, are helpless to do anything about it beyond moving it to the side until the next big storm or little fury.

here was one such little fury... just a small annoyance having seen it so many times already...

this, the same setting, after the most recent big storm that shut down the schools, the courthouse, the buses, the entire county, and stranded thousands of people on the interstate for 12+ hours (although the governor is looking into the disorganized response to that one)...

though greg keeps his own spirits up, mr. puppy isn't sure he likes this overabundance of a white wonderland...

he gets cold... and, he's short, and gets shorter as the snow gets taller...

so, i guess it's just a wait it out kind of winter. it can't last forever. spring may not be as powerful, but it is persistent. in another month it will begin to make its entrance... a little tug boat slowly pushing winter out of the way.