Falling in a groove
1-9-1. Enter.
It is the end of another long winter day, and without thinking, I press these numbers into the TV remote, just as I do every night.
This has become part of my bedtime routine over the past three years, a subconsciously choreographed dance I’ve mastered.
Brush teeth. Check Babisodes. Bundle up under covers. Turn on the TV to check tomorrow’s weather.
When I first moved to New England I constantly tuned into the Weather Channel. As if my earnings weighed heavily on the rise and fall of Boston’s climate conditions.
Local weather conditions flashed along the bottom of the screen like a stock ticker. I’d wait anxiously. Hoping. Hoping. Hoping for even the slightest sign of temperatures on the rise.
Then, as of this week, while another snowstorm silently brewed in the dark nighttime skies outside, I lied down and just fell asleep.
This must be what it’s like to be a child growing up with seasons.
Growing up in Florida, summer was the only season I knew. My first glimpse of Fall was not until I was twenty-four and moved to Southern California. Though even there, only a handful of yellow and amber trees sprinkled the landscape. And now, after spending a few years navigating through the rough highs and lows of the northeast, I think I’m finally used to it.
The billowy cotton of my pillow is always there, a plush, familiar friend who cushions my busy thoughts.
Even if I wake up the next day to find the world covered in a thick blanket of snow. Again.
There is nothing to do, really, but to trust that this will eventually pass. That beneath it all will be the familiar face of another terrain tol keep us company.
For a while.
And until then, with eyes closed, I should bask in the moment, fully invested, no matter what predictions and forecasts lie out there.
*Disclaimer- If we received even close to the amount of record snowfall some of you all had this year, this post would be completely different 
hahah I’m glued to weather.com. I’m Bostonian for life but right around now is when I start getting stir crazy and dreaming of skirts and sunblock. i love the snow though. My feeling is that if it’s going to be cold, there better at least be snow for me to enjoy!
MBonn´s last blog ..This is why I’m hot…or ya know, not.
February 18th, 2010 at 5:49 pm
I love checking out the national weather. I’ve been known to throw the phrase “low pressure front” in conversation. I can totally appreciate checking the weather channel!
Mishi´s last blog ..Yes, I’m still here
February 18th, 2010 at 5:50 pm
Do people still refer to the “Blizzard of 78″ out there? Growing up, that was always the benchmark for snowstorms. My 25 years growing up in Boston has given me enough snow memories to last a lifetime. And I enjoy them, whist basking in the warmth of an 80 degree sunny SoCal winter’s day
BusyDad´s last blog ..Dadvatar: The Blissdom Chronicles
February 18th, 2010 at 5:52 pm
Does Dallas’s 12 inches count as a record? My college kid was SO happy. They let classes out early.
The Mother´s last blog ..Helpful Test-Taking Strategies for Parents
February 18th, 2010 at 6:14 pm
Holy CRUMBS I love that shot of Babisodes! There is such fantastic kid action in it that it makes me happy.
Cecily R´s last blog ..Photo Story Friday and 365 Week 7
February 18th, 2010 at 6:45 pm
I’m so bad about checking the weather. I never even think about it – although I should this winter! Our weather’s been crazy too…but not in a bad way. I like the change.
Love love LOVE the pic of Babisodes!!
Rachel @ Grasping for Objectivity´s last blog ..That’s Because Daddies Fix Everything.
February 18th, 2010 at 6:46 pm
This winter has been brutal. I live in the south for a reason and don’t appreciate the sub freezing temps we’ve been having!
I do love all the snow pictures though…
Emily´s last blog ..PSF and Snowball Fight!!
February 18th, 2010 at 9:04 pm
Were one of the record breaking areas in Philly – over six feet of snow when we normally get less than two!
At our house we watch the weather forecast, with the hope that it wouldn’t dare throw another curve ball if we are paying attention. As if another storm will only slip through if wer aren’t watching.
73+ inches later – wishful thinking!
sierra´s last blog ..WANTED! A Good Woman for a Good Man
February 18th, 2010 at 9:06 pm
It just seems like the snow will never leave… and I only love the first snow fall! After that I am all about spring! I LOVE the picture of your baby in her boots. SO precious!
Life with Kaishon´s last blog ..Baby Brooke
February 18th, 2010 at 9:11 pm
I’m in PA & until a week or so ago we have had precious little snow this year. I LOVE the seasons here. Love the snow. Love the crisp fall mornings. Love how spring breezes in just as I’m sick of thinking of enduring one more “wintery mix”. Love all of it!
February 18th, 2010 at 9:20 pm
I used to live in Pa. Now I’m a Hoosier. Kind of. I still miss the monster storms of the east, though, and watch the weather channel to see what my parents are digging out of. We have about 5 inches left on the ground right now.
I love your daughter’s outfit. Pink and Red are the perfect colors to wear in the snow.
Raise Them Up´s last blog ..Beautiful Cardinals, Why Do You Hate Me?
February 18th, 2010 at 9:47 pm
Even Florida has seen snow this year. I’m afraid that B2.0 is going to be the first sign of Spring, this year.
February 18th, 2010 at 10:24 pm
We usually have mild winters here, so I rarely check the weather…this year, I check it everyday too!
Muthering Heights´s last blog ..A Painter By Any Other Name…
February 18th, 2010 at 10:43 pm
Great action shot of Babisodes!
As a fellow transplant to New England, I find it wearying to try to keep up with weather patterns. Getting dressed in the morning was much simpler on the West Coast. But I’m honestly not sure I’d want to go back to the predictable CA temperatures…there’s something adventurous about living in a place where the weather is always a topic of conversation. Although I suppose I have to add on the same disclaimer you did – my ambivalence would most likely morph into frustration if we had received record snowfall this year!
Emily´s last blog ..Singing with the King
February 18th, 2010 at 10:52 pm
When we lived in FL, the only time we watched the weather channel was when there was a hurricane.
February 18th, 2010 at 10:54 pm
That is an awesome picture! My dad spends every morning watching the weather channel. It is his ritual. Me? I’ve never really payed too much attention to it unless something big was coming. Which, you know, there’s been a lot of that this year. So there’s been some weather channel watching lately. Definitely looking forward to spring.
Cara´s last blog ..SNoMore 2010
February 18th, 2010 at 11:07 pm
I love the seasons, and mostly I wouldn’t trade them for sunnier climes — until mid February, when it stops snowing regularly, but everything is still dead and ugly. Then San Diego starts looking pretty good
Chris´s last blog ..Photostory Friday: 365 Week 7
February 18th, 2010 at 11:41 pm
She looks like she likes the snow! I grew up with the seasons and every year I dread winter’s return. Like you said, ya can’t do anything about it………. but move and who can afford to move just to escape winter?
Carrie Keiser´s last blog ..foto story #88–New cake pans
February 18th, 2010 at 11:55 pm
I live in the seasons in Washington State, and I love it. I must confess though, I don’t always like to totality of each season when I am in it. I love the fall leaves, the first snow, the spring rain, and the burning heat. Ah, it is great!
February 19th, 2010 at 12:45 am
That pic of Babisodes is adorable. At least someone is enjoying the snow. I’m so sick of the snow already. I don’t think I’ve seen our lawn all winter.
February 19th, 2010 at 12:49 am
Mmmmmmm, I think I hear my pillow calling to me, too. Snow just makes you sleepy, doesn’t it?
Stacia´s last blog ..Living in Circles
February 19th, 2010 at 1:09 am
I hardly ever look at the forecast! Usually I get wind of snowstorms from other people and every once in a while I check the weather on my iPhone. It’s fun to be surprised!
February 19th, 2010 at 1:37 am
I check the weather every night too, but that’s just to see if it’s going to be hot or cold. California weather is so unpredictable!
February 19th, 2010 at 2:18 am
I watch the weather every night…I don’t know why…being in So Cal it’s either nice or it’s not.
Erin´s last blog ..Big Brother Blues
February 19th, 2010 at 2:48 am
heavenly
love both the photos and the spirits u show.
magnificent post.
u r soo sweet and smart.
jingle´s last blog ..How Can Mother Nature Be Your Teacher
February 19th, 2010 at 4:22 am
She’s so lovely in the snow !
Stéphanie´s last blog ..My fashion book
February 19th, 2010 at 4:32 am
I’ve always loved our seasons but this year has turned my feelings. I just think a warmer climate would be nicer. *sigh* I love how you snapped this pic right before she teetered backwards. Great snap!
sheila´s last blog ..21 years ago.
February 19th, 2010 at 7:09 am
I have come to like Winter and snow since I started taking pictures for my blogs. Of course, we did not get blizzards and snowstorms like you guys seem to have gotten this Winter. But I am SO ready for Spring and flowers and blue skies now!!
I love the picture!
Jientje´s last blog ..Friday’s Fave Five, Valentine Weekend
February 19th, 2010 at 7:28 am
Yay! Good for you! I see Babisodes doesn’t have such problems.
Dot´s last blog ..Comment on My 3,172 Favorite Books by Hilary
February 19th, 2010 at 9:56 am
Yeah, I don’t miss the bitter cold of my youth. The snow is fun to visit and we’ll do it eventually. Until then, I like having a green yard 12 months a year.
Hockeymandad´s last blog ..Who has the cutest new niece? I do
February 19th, 2010 at 10:50 am
Great pictures. I am ready for this snow and winter to be over as well.
Brandie´s last blog ..Give Me Your Best Shot!
February 19th, 2010 at 11:18 am
So much of snow… I never get to see in this part of the world I stay. Too much is difficult at time I guess.
Indrani´s last blog ..Krishna Mandapam, Mahabalipuram
February 19th, 2010 at 11:23 am
It’s been unusually cold this winter here in FL and I am hating every minute of it. Checking the weather forecast is my morning routine. I do the same as you and hope for warmer weather. I miss my flip-flops and sundresses. I feel so frumpy in winter clothing. But, I suppose I should be thankful that I’m not buried under 6 feet of snow. Curse that, groundhog! If I see him, I’m kicking him in the head in my boots. That will teach that UGGly little rodent.
Run DMT´s last blog ..Let Them Eat Cake
February 19th, 2010 at 11:39 am
I never used to be so concerned about the weather. I was just a casual observer. Because, it really didn’t matter that much to me. Then I married a fireman and boy do we watch the weather now. In the morning, in the afternoon, in the evening, we even surf the net for it. I can’t believe how much weather we watch around here.
BTW I love that photo of the pink boots and jacket with red pants against that crisp white snow. Great job.
February 19th, 2010 at 3:27 pm
I miss weather. Ours is boring. Always the same. I don’t know why our weather people don’t just perish of complete boredom!
What the seasons give you is hope for the next. Hang in there!! And keep taking those beautiful snow pictures. They really are lovely. Really.
Lisa
Lisa´s last blog ..winter wonderland
February 19th, 2010 at 3:35 pm
You are such a great writer! You know that I don’t really experience weather like those of you in the real parts of the country do……but I can appreciate what it’s like (I’ve been to ski resorts before.)
Michelle @ one crafty mama´s last blog ..PSF – Lasting memory
February 19th, 2010 at 3:40 pm
LOL – My husband says that the fact we tune into the Weather Channel first thing in the morning or first before channel surfing at night is proof that we are OLD! I think he might be right.
Jane´s last blog ..To Are Or Not To Are – THAT Is The Question
February 19th, 2010 at 10:46 pm
I love your disclaimer. Love it. Unfortunately I live near DC, which seems to be the most uncharacteristically snowy place this year. We still have 2 feet that hasn’t melted, and the word around town is that we’ve got another 16 inches coming on Monday. After two back to back storms that brought 20-30 inches a piece, Monday’s storm sounds like peanuts. Lovely pictures, by the way!
February 20th, 2010 at 12:23 am
I love the seasons…all of them! But this Washington weather has been weird this year…we lost winter all together. It kinda makes me sad.
February 20th, 2010 at 2:11 am
This has been such an unusual year for winter conditions makes me wonder what’s coming next year.
Dorothy from grammology
grammology.com
Dorothy Stahlnecker´s last blog ..Death of an Olympian on Network TV: Too Far?
February 20th, 2010 at 8:34 am
You would fit right in with us Brits as we’re all obsessed with the the weather.
If I Could Escape´s last blog ..My tweet cloud …
February 20th, 2010 at 10:15 am
I grew up in Kentucky where they’d close schools and shut down state government before a flake would hit the ground. With the first warnings of upcoming winter weather, everyone would hit the stores to stock up on bread and milk. Now living in Montana, a foot or two of the white stuff signals time to hit the slopes. My kids have no idea what a snow day from school is because they’ve never had one! (the closest we ever got was a delay because of a moose at a bus stop) Personally, I kind of miss all the hoopla and I still head to the grocery, just in case.
Denise´s last blog ..This Just Rubs Me The Wrong Way
February 20th, 2010 at 10:20 am
It’s so strange for me to think of having grown up anywhere but a cold snowy place!
Beautiful post, Sandy, as all yours are. I continue to love your writing.
I too used to watch the Weather Channel all the time.
xo
February 20th, 2010 at 11:57 am
your thoughts to me mimic life, the way we should always adjust and hang in there. stay warm! i hope the weather will get better. it is summer here so somehow i long for the cool air there though surely just some of it LOL
PM´s last blog ..1+1 =
February 20th, 2010 at 8:26 pm
I do love both the photos … the last one with Babisodes is delightfully (and colorful) poetry in motion! I’m not sure how I’m manage snow of any kind being the native Southern California beach gal I am. Hope things warm up for you soon.
I’m intrigued by Comment Luv. It finally gives me a choice of posts (10 actually) but my most recent post is not among the choices. Strange … perhaps it takes more time to show up? Fortunately I know how to create a link myself (if my fingers cooperate) the hurrieder i go the behinder i get
Sacred Ruminations´s last blog ..Scenic Shadow Shots – Mosaic Blue Monday
February 20th, 2010 at 9:46 pm
The weather is topsy turvy this year. Driving south on I-95 when it is snowing in Savannah, Georgia just isn’t right!
Joyce-Anne´s last blog ..That Damn Tree
February 21st, 2010 at 11:13 am
That is beautiful! I miss the four seasons. Now that I live in California it seems like we only have two seasons, the cold wet season and the hot dry season. Winter in Wisconsin was long but the snow was beautiful.
Cascia @ Healthy Moms´s last blog ..Understanding Your Dreams – What They are Trying to Say and Do For You
February 21st, 2010 at 3:25 pm
I love the photo. I still remember my Boston days. : )
savvy gal´s last blog ..Miu Miu Jeweled Bow Flats
February 21st, 2010 at 9:49 pm
Oh, I check the weather channel every ight before I go to bed. And that’s pretty bad being that I am in Northern California. I would probably be a mad wreck living where it snows.
Jenna´s last blog ..Friends
February 22nd, 2010 at 12:47 am
There might be more snow in the morning but there will always be a bit of bright pinkness to make you smile.
killlashandra´s last blog ..Hands Like Dad
February 22nd, 2010 at 1:44 pm
http://jingleyanqiu.wordpress.com/2010/02/22/u-deserve-a-star-today/
beautiful writing,
awesome spring post!
winter is here, spring is not far…
Happy Monday!
jingle´s last blog ..U Deserve A Star Today!
February 22nd, 2010 at 3:38 pm
I admit–I still love looking at the beautiful trees covered in snow, while at the same time hating the shoveling that comes along with it. My 5-year-old, however, loves to shovel. I can’t get her to come back inside!
Asianmommy´s last blog ..Book Review: Chinese New Year Crafts
February 22nd, 2010 at 11:32 pm
You havent’ been in around in a few days……hmmmmm.
sheila´s last blog ..Things That Make Me Wonder *rubs chin*
February 23rd, 2010 at 8:14 am
I check the weather in Charleston, WV (my old hometown) Atlanta, GA (my current hometown) and Kralendijk, Bonaire, NA (my future hometown) every day.
It’s an obsession I understand all too well, hon.
Coal Miner’s Granddaughter´s last blog ..Discombobulated
February 23rd, 2010 at 5:45 pm
I know it’s been said on so many blogs but what happened to global warming? Why are we all freezing? Is the groundhog to blame?
Marie´s last blog ..The Blank Stare–Word(less/ful) and Special Exposure Wednesday
February 24th, 2010 at 2:23 am
Those weatherguessers are only right half the time!
We could use some of that snow here
Cookie´s last blog ..Craigslist Buyer Rant
February 25th, 2010 at 12:29 am