MARCH 11, 2011... A QUIET BALLET IN THE SNOW.....

With snow as fresh and deep as it is in this surprise March storm, thickly coating everything, Mother Nature seems to push a mute button. This night is exceptionally quiet here in my valley.

I pass my library, and through its windows I glimpse the distinctive man-made artificial moonlight that blesses most of my winter nights. I'm startled; the ski hill is open and operative again!

In the weeks since the recent heavy rains, the hill has been dark and apparently closed for the season. It must be that enough of the snow base remains that this bountiful snow has made the hill ski-worthy again, at least for a night or two.

Before my wondering eyes, the slopes are filled with skiiers... a hypnotic panorama that's more like a ballet, rendered strangely silent by the sound-insulation of snow.

I brew a cup of coffee and sit at the library window, enjoying the show.