Living in the North Woods of Wisconsin was exciting, exhausting and challenging. It was not easy with three youngsters who were absolutely full of energy and always ‘raring’ to go do something. Especially during the cold, early winter months, before the snow falls. We lived on a lake and once it was frozen the fun began.
Until then, however, we all suffered from cabin fever. Our log home was rustic and not too big. We played games, read books and did creative art projects. But my children all seemed to have very short attention spans. Some days I felt like I was at my wit’s end, trying to entertain my family.
One day, the wall phone rang and since this was before portable or cell phones, I had to answer it in the kitchen. Although I did have a very long cord, my ability to watch what the children were doing was limited. That call was important. I was trying to listen and sound professional while worrying about what was going on in their play area. Sure enough, the middle child, my most rambunctious one, had got into mischief. As I hung up the phone to survey the damage, I muttered, “You guys are going to drive me to the funny farm.”
Big mistake! Not recommended positive reinforcement.
“Can I go with? Please?” My middle son kept begging for a very long time.
“Me, too, me too,” sobbed his younger brother, while their older sister looked confused. It took much too long to explain. I doubt they ever realized it was just a silly comment.
Finally, a few days later, it began snowing and soon we were snowed in. Now we were in a winter wonderland and the fun began. There was lots to do and the price was right!
We ice fished for supper and enjoyed healthy hot cocoa out on the lake. One has to drink it rather fast, of course, before it froze right before our eyes.
So much fun in the snow. My daughter spent hours building sturdy igloos. One day I was pulling my young sons on a toboggan across the lake and met another woman walking over to my side. We became lifelong friends.
Then came the day when I suffered from frost bitten toes. Really suffered when I got stuck driving on a stretch of road the snowplow had neglected to clear. It wasn’t long before Florida began sounding wonderful. I have been here now 30 years and it is wonderful.
Those memorable days in a winter wonderland are permanently etched in my heart. My daughter and her family spend a lot of time snowmobiling in Wisconsin and sometimes send me photos. I enjoy seeing them all bundled up when i am relaxing on the beach or at the pool.
dm
Here's Your Hope! 