I have no more prayers for snow left in me...

I was just waking up as the sun rose and shed it warmth and vision into my bedroom this morning.  You know how sometimes when you wake up you have to stop and think about where you are -- and sort of get your bearings?  (I'm doing that more now, since Bob is in Utah, I'm in Virginia, and there is still no snow!).  Well, that's what was happening to me, and a small inkling of a thought passed through my sleepy mind... "This must be spring."  And here's the deal -- it's been like this on more mornings than not -- since way before Christmas!  I have no more prayers for snow left in me!  I think I'm giving up!

Even the geese gave up.  At least the ones that hang out at the pond below Monticello.  A large group of them, maybe fifteen or so, were gathered at the edge of the pond to honk a greeting to me on my first walk on the Monticello Trail yesterday.  Just changing the subject slightly...  now THAT is some Trail.

The trail gently slopes and winds its way up the "little mountain" (which is what "Monticello" means).  It begins in a little park beyond an entrance parking lot, and it ends at the Monticello Visitor's Center, at the entrance to Mr. Jefferson's estate.  The trail is wide and soft, covered with gravel and outlined by large rocks and boulders attractively placed to, I think, help with water drainage.  Every few yards the trail becomes a wooden bridge with railing that doesn't block the view, and even the bridges are still nice and wide.  It's a simple and tidy trail, and enhances your view of the flora and the view of the city of Charlottesville and the University of Virginia.

I'm sad that I didn't know about the Monticello Trail in the glorious Autumn, because for the first quarter of a mile, the trees that line the trail are labeled, and look to be every variety of oak and pine there is.  (I guess I will have to come back in a future autumn to see the colors!).  At any rate, I'm glad that I know about the trail now, and I plan to make good use of it while the snow is not flying.  It almost makes me happy to think about spring, as I consider spring on the Monticello Trail.

So here's my prayer today: "Dear Lord, Thank You for showing me the Monticello Trail, especially just before spring, so I wouldn't miss it, and especially if You're not going to give me any snow. Amen."

(I think this is what I can look forward to in the Spring!)