Journeys›Photograph

The First Big Snow and Quiet Days at Home

·Truckee, California·#winter#tahoe#snow#home#daily-life
Close-up of snow-covered pine branches in a winter forest, with more snow-laden trees and ground in the background.

The first big snow of early December arrived, blanketing the pine trees until their branches hung heavy. It was the kind of quiet that only a heavy snowfall brings. Inside, we had a small pop of color with some red roses on the table, a contrast to the monochrome world outside.

The evenings had that perfect winter twilight, with the new snow reflecting the last of the sun's light. We put up some colored lights outside, which made for some festive icicles hanging from the eaves. The day after the storm was crisp and clear, with a deep blue sky over all the white.

Mostly, it was just a few quiet days at home. The dogs found the best spot to curl up together. I started getting the Christmas decorations out, like this old Rudolph. It was a peaceful stretch, just watching the weather change, having a beer, and staying warm. Then it was time to fly out, and the view of a brightly lit stadium at night felt like a sudden shift back into a much louder world.

A bouquet of red roses and baby's breath in a green textured vase sits on a glass table.Colorful icicle lights hang over a snowy landscape with evergreen trees under a twilight sky.A winter landscape with snow-covered ground and trees under a colorful gradient sky, with a utility pole on the right.Snow-covered pine trees rise from deep snow on the ground, under a bright blue sky with a faint contrail.Two dogs, one black and white, and one brown, are curled up sleeping on a fluffy bed.A Rudolph plush toy with a red nose and wooden clogs sits on plaid blankets near a Christmas tree.

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