by
Jean Hughes
February 12, 1996
The earth was deep in her yearly beauty sleep last night when the snow came. But I listen to chickadee predictions and I knew it was coming. The kiss of snowflakes on my face gives a soft touch, as I walk to my deep-woods creek.

All of nature is before me, in miniature: the greatest waterfalls, the wildest streams, the highest hills. Bird tracks, like tiny ski trails, wind around the dried wildflower stalks. There are mountains and desserts, swamps and plains, hills and hollows within a few feet of me, tiny replicas of those that cover this vast earth.

* * *
I awoke before dawn this morning and went into the yard to watch the full moon set. Against the dark sky, the moon turned from palest yellow, to gold, and then to orange.

At almost the same moment that it disappeared, the sun came up. It was as though the earth had flipped from west to east and that I was watching the sunset in reverse.

Now, the dogs and I stroll toward the creek. The snow is like a big white canvas on the hills. Nature paints with sparkling sunshine and shadows.

When I reach the hilltop where the creek comes into view, the sun, shining on the water, gives the illusion of a river of gold floating by. At the water's edge, I look upstream. Above the riffles rise great clouds of golden mist, like gold dust flashing in the air above the golden water.

* * *
In the evening, I listen as two barred owls sing love hoots to each other across the valley. Two titmice whistle from hill to hill. Add human hearts dancing to the lingering St. Valentine's waltz, and the new moon that shines tells its own name --the Honey Moon.


Yesterday for dinner, I made a throw-together casserole. Chris asked, "What is this called, Jean, so I will know what to ask for on my birthday next year?" (One guess who is my valentine?) The recipe was given the name it deserves.

Chris' Casserole
Cook as directed: 8 oz. small shellroni.
In a skillet, saute in 1/4 cup butter: 2 large stalks chopped celery 
and 1 medium chopped onion.
In a 2 qt. casserole, combine: 1 can cream of mushroom soup, 
1 small can tuna, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 
the sauteed celery and onion and 1 1/4 cups cooked peas.
Pour 3/4 cup milk over the top.
Sprinkle with: 1 T. parsley flakes and a dusting of paprika.
Bake at 375o for 30 minutes.

Late in the afternoon I walk near the bog. Here the creek forms a deep pool. Tiny fish, in many patterns and colors, flash through the open water. I walk slowly through the snow. Overhead, a flock of robins wings north. I am never alone.

* * *
This afternoon, the children and I sled down the old woods-road to Sugar Creek. There is a lot of tumbling.

The creek runs fast in the center, but it is hard-frozen along the shore. We boot skate. They with childhood's abandon and I with caution.

Just before sunset, we walk to Karen Creek. The inlet that feeds on water from the hills is frozen solid. The children run and sail down, their boots becoming ice-boats.

* * *
This morning, a goldfinch, wearing his spring-yellow coat, stops at my feeder. A squeaky-gate jay drops down. Then, a pileated woodpecker swoops in. He is spectacular!

* * *
Yesterday, the screech owl sat about six feet from me. Today, he is three feet away. I can see the tiny white feathers around his face, like chin whiskers on a little elf.

I step closer and he sends me a signal that is like an electric shock from head to toe. He has a dramatic way of saying, "Stop. You're too near me." But, we have communicated!

* * *
It is almost midnight. I step out to see the moonlight on the snow. A coyote howls from the hollow behind the barn. The dogs join in. Their singing lasts about five minutes.

The stars shine down. It is still. I hold my breath to hear the silence. Life thrums through my heart. In one heartbeat, tomorrow almost comes, but, as always, it is a new today beginning. I start into another 24 hours of winter beauty in the hills.

Copyright 1995, Jean Hughes.

Jean's book of ramblings and recipes "A Country Mile of Winter" and her book of poetry "The Earth's My Home" are available for $4.95 each plus $1.30 for postage and handling. Ten of Jean's favorite recipes will be included free with each book ordered. Order from...

Country Mile Publications
616 E. Monroe St.
Delphi, Indiana 46923

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