That first snow...

She waited until November 30th, but Mother Nature finally gave us a decent covering of snow.   That first blanket is usually temporary.  Just a taste of what is in store for us the next few months.

It does strange things, that first snowfall.  On one hand, it's romantic.  A magical dusting of Christmas or Hanukkah for some.  A chance to make snowmen, forts, and snow angels.  The promise of ice on the pond and branches of trees sagging.

For others - it blows their mind.  They forget how to drive, either slowing down excessively or recklessly ignoring effects of the snow on the road.  People in their 4-wheel drive trucks and SUVs impatiently whipping around the others, confident in their ability to stick to the asphalt and get themselves out of whatever trouble they might slide into.  

For runners - it's the untouched snow that is the biggest temptation.  To be the first to lay down a set of tracks and hear that squeaky crunch under your shoes is like getting up and realizing the buses are cancelled.  Clear, crisp mornings with just a light jacket and your iPod.  Those are the runs that bring you back and keep you wanting more.  The legs don't burn, the lungs don't heave, and the body is naturally cooled by the early winter breeze.  

There's so much promise in that first snow.  Strange to think it's just bits of frozen water falling from the sky.