Winter feeling - VIDEO
Winter came and then disappeared again into warm weather, slush, and the deep embrace of the black earth. The winter rain has been drizzling a light dusting of snow for a few days, leaving dark spots here and there. Slush has taken over the roads and yards. Now, if ever, it truly feels like the end of October and the beginning of November.
A few days ago, however, there was a beautiful winter morning. The temperature was well below freezing, even though the pale sun did its best just above the horizon. Fresh snow had just scrubbed the ground and plants clean. Everything was so beautiful.
I had been watching the river freeze over for several days. At first, small ice floes drifted by like tiny rafts, tinkling past as if they were wine bottles in a store on a cruise ship. These rafts formed larger, connected chains that froze together overnight and slowed down. One morning, the entire river had come to a stop—the current had frozen, and the tinkling of the ice floes had ceased.
I’ve been swimming in the river several times a week. Experts probably wouldn’t call my last few dips swimming anymore, but rather plunging, but so be it. I have to wade a little through the reeds, slip on the cold riverbank, and step barefoot into the soft natural bottom, so that between my toes is black from the riverbed after swimming. Still, nothing beats the peace of my own riverside. I wouldn’t trade it for the best beach, the fanciest pier, or even a heated hot tub.
As the river gathered a thickening ice cover, I realized that these might be the last chances I’d have to swim before the ice becomes too thick. I dug out an old Swedish army shovel I had picked up from a flea market, which had been sitting in my car trunk. The handle is almost non-existent, but with its steel blade, even the thickest ice cracks open.
The riverbank is steep. I could break some ice from the shore, but I had to continue hacking away while standing in the water to make enough space for myself in the hole. I talked to myself out loud: “Crazy woman, where do you come up with these ideas? Swinging an army shovel in a freezing river with an October wind blowing from the north.” It’s always worth being a little crazy. It often leads to great memories—or at least funny and educational failures.
The ice-cold water numbed all my senses at first. My breathing faltered and sped up alternately. It felt like my heart was going to leap out of my chest as it fought the shock of the cold. I forced myself to take deep breaths, and after a few, my body calmed down. A feeling of harmony came over me, peaceful and even warm. I took a few more deep breaths and climbed out. I slipped along the snowy riverbank barefoot, my feet no longer feeling the cold but still quite red. I laughed out loud, the feeling was so amazing.
Warm hugs and beautiful moments for the beginning of winter ❄️
♥: Sanna