“Life regularly persists through winter, the toughest, most demanding of seasons.” –Allen M. Young
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It’s the Winter Solstice. Light-lovers, rejoice! Tomorrow, we begin the slow climb out of darkness.
There is still no significant snowfall here in the Chicago region. Jeff and I joke that we know the reason why. We’ve shoveled our driveway by hand the past 23 years, but after three back-to-back heavy snow events last winter we said, “No more!” This summer, we bought a small snowblower. We figured our purchase should guarantee a snow-free winter. (You’re welcome).
But…I miss the snow. Despite December 21st being the first official astronomical day of winter, the prairies and natural areas around me seem to say “autumn.” The upside? Without that blanket of white thrown over the prairies, there are so many visible wonders. Plant tendrils…
…and their swerves and curves.
Ice crystals captured in a shady river eddy.
The bridges we regularly hike across are geometry lessons in angles and lines.
Look closely.
There is life, even here. The lichens remind me of the tatted lace antimacassars so beloved by my great-grandmothers. It also reminds me I need to learn more lichen ID. Winter might be a good time to focus on that.
The soundtrack of the prairie in late December is the castanet rattle of White Wild Indigo pods…
…and the wind’s sizzle-hiss through the grasses. This December in the Midwest, wind has been a significant force. Harsh. Destructive. Here in the Chicago region, we’ve escaped most wind damage. Yet wind makes its presence known. When I’m hiking into it, my face goes numb. My eyes water. Brrrr. But I love the way it strokes and tunes the dry tallgrass, coaxing out a winter prairie tune.
I admire the seed-stripped sprays of crinkled switchgrass wands…
…the bright blue of a snow-less sky, feathered with clouds…
…the joy of spent winter wildflowers.
I spy the mallard and his mate.
Feel delight in the murmur of an ice-free stream.
The way December puts her mark on grasses, leaves and trees leaves me in awe… and happy.
All these wonders! All available for any hiker passing through the prairies or woodlands at this time of year—without a single snowflake in the repertoire.
Sure, I still check the forecast. Hoping to see snow on the radar. But who needs the white stuff when there are so many other surprises? What a treasure trove of delights December has on offer!
Why not go out and see them for yourself?
You’ll be glad you did.
Happy holidays and Merry Christmas!
******
The opening quote is from Allen M. Young’s Small Creatures and Ordinary Places: Essays on Nature (2000, University of Wisconsin Press). This lovely book includes dragonflies and damselflies; fireflies, silk moths, butterflies, and cicadas—just a few of the many insects he investigates. Several of his essays first appeared in the Sunday Magazine of the Chicago Tribune. Young is Curator Emeritus of Zoology at the Milwaukee Public Museum.
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Need a New Year’s Resolution? Help Bell Bowl Prairie, one of Illinois’ last remaining native prairie remnants, which is about to be destroyed by the Chicago Rockford International Airport. Please go to www.savebellbowlprairie.org to discover easy ways your actions can make a difference.
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Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to my readers! Thank you for (virtually) hiking with me in 2021.
Tuesdays in the Tallgrass 
Happy Christmas, Cindy. This post is, for me, one of your very best! Makes me want to go out and observe carefully and slowly. Has to be the salt marsh here on the East Coast but still a joy to read and the nudge to brave the elements and go looking for more than Snowy Owls! Thank you and all the best in the New Year.
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Hi Beth — thank you for your kind note, and for reading. I love the East Coast salt marshes, but know so little about them. Lucky you! Keep on hiking and Happy New Year! Thank you for dropping me a note. (Snowy owls! Lucky you!!!) Cindy 🙂
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It is amazing to me that in winter when so much looks dead…there is so much going on that we cannot see, preparation already for new life in spring. Winter is miracle, holding the promise of hope. A blessed Christmas to you, Cindy – wishing you good time with your family!
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Thank you, Paula, for your faithful readership and for your encouraging note! Happy New Year! Cindy 🙂
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May you and Jeff and your whole family enjoy a very Merry Christmas!
On Tue, Dec 21, 2021, 7:12 AM Tuesdays in the Tallgrass wrote:
> Cindy Crosby posted: ” “Life regularly persists through winter, the > toughest, most demanding of seasons.” –Allen M. Young ****** It’s the > Winter Solstice. Light-lovers, rejoice! Tomorrow, we begin the slow climb > out of darkness. Sunrise over Cindy’s backyard prairie” >
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Thank you for your kind note — Happy New Year to you! Cindy 🙂
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Yes, light is coming back slowly, meanwhile thanks for the reminder to enjoy “sleeping” nature. I enjoy the frost covered leaves and plants in my garden on my walks.
Thanks for the snow blower purchase, it’s working so far! I don’t think we’re going to miss a whole winter without snow though. We bought a smaller one last season and waited for a long while for it to arrive due to supply issues. Luckily, it arrived just in time for the snow.
Merry Christmas and enjoy all that you do in 2022!
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Thank you, Cathy — I think our snow blower purchase is about to fail! Look at that storm on the way! Glad we are both prepared. Happy New Year, and thank you for reading this year! Cindy 🙂
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Lovely photos and observations, Cindy. Count me among those who are grateful for your purchase of that snow blower…and hope its impact reaches us over here in Toledo too. Merry Christmas to you and Jeff!
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So good to hear from you —and I think our snow is about to arrive! 🙂 Happy New Year! Cindy 🙂
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Life hasn’t allowed me to get out hiking with or without my camera lately as much as I used to, so I look forward to hiking virtually every week thanks to your blog. Thanks as always for your observations and images, and merry Christmas to you!
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I’m so grateful you hike with me each week, even if virtually — we need community right now! I’m grateful for you and all the folks who take a moment to read and write an encouraging note. Happy New Year! Hope it is a peaceful one for you. Cindy 🙂
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