I have a friend who says upstate New York turns into a “black and white world” in the winter. She approaches the entire winter season as a time to hibernate.
I can understand that judgment, but I can’t agree with it. Sure, the landscape can look stark, with leafless trees appearing as silhouettes against the snow-covered landscape. Roads are, hopefully, black lines through all that white, but are occasionally white, themselves, as I see on my commute to work.
But, there’s color, if you look for it. Nature provides some and people provide more.
My wife and I like birds and go to some lengths to draw them to our backyard. A couple of bright-red cardinals or a small group of blue jays can brighten both landscapes and moods on a winter day. Ditto the finches that may not be as brilliant as in summer but choose to stay here rather than migrate. Even the monochromatic chickadees and juncos can bring a smile with their frenzied activity.
Some people go in pursuit of color. Folks who like birds more than I do — and also have more ambition — plan winter trips to find, view and count eagles, hawks and other species. They’ll go where the color is.
We just finished a holiday season filled with color. Literal, visible color such as the holiday decorations that can still be seen on many homes and businesses, and cultural color, reflected in the many events staged in communities across the area.
Santa brought color, hope, joy and excitement to virtually every community around. Holiday parades drew people out of warm homes and onto chilly sidewalks to watch displays of color and to feel a connection to their friends and neighbors. Take a moment to think about all the people — nearly all volunteers — who worked to organize those events and participated to make them happen. They brought color to winter, for sure.
On a smaller scale, families and friends held gatherings that might have included the garish color of the ubiquitous “ugly sweater” and certainly included the color that friendship brings to moods and life.
This year, winter enthusiasts can bring their color to bear.
Snowmobilers are starting to hit the many miles of trails throughout the area. When there’s enough snow, they’ll groom trails and go on long group rides, stopping at restaurants and watering holes to enjoy the camaraderie of their pastime.
Thanks to artificial snowmaking, skiers have already been able to enjoy time on the slopes, as have the snowboarders and those who like to careen downhill in inflatable tubes. Kids without their own snowmaking equipment have had a few chances to bring out their sleds and other sliding apparatus. Given the right weather, we’ll see lots of them, colorful not only in their attire, but in their laughter as well.
Snowshoers, ice skaters and cross-country skiers will also take time to enjoy activities that only this time of year allows.
If it stays cold enough, ice fishermen will ply their trade, both in fancy fish houses and sitting out in the elements. They’re a special breed. I’ve done that. I don’t do it anymore.
Understanding that not everyone finds the outdoors suitable when the temperature drops below the freezing point, many organizations plan indoor events such as musical performances, lectures, classes and more. It’s not hard to find something to add some color to a weekend day or winter evening around here.
Based on what I’ve seen of all the people doing all the things I’ve noted above, I have come to the conclusion that more people see the color of winter than take my friend’s point of view. We all know people who seem to wear perpetual frowns from what has come to be called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD — how appropriate), but we also know hardy souls who not only endure winter but embrace it.
It can be hard to see the bright colors of winter during a white-knuckle drive on an icy road, while you’re nursing a backache from shoveling out the driveway or when the heating bill comes, but they’re there. Look for them. Enjoy them.