It became a day when suddenly everything was different, it seemed

On this day, the town we lived in turned into a winter wonderland. It became a different day. COVID-19 seemed so far away for a moment. It became a day when suddenly everything was different, it seemed.

Do you remember?

Do you remember that time, before we used to talk about COVID-19 or the coronavirus? It all seems like ages ago! Today it seemed like such a day. A day without the need to talk about this disease. Yet, I’m writing about this disease again! Instead, I should write how we were surprised by the sudden snowfall. Since 2012 we hadn’t had to deal with a snowstorm of this magnitude in this part of the country. That’s because we live near the coast. Strangely enough, we still knew what to do. Dressing warm was one thing we had to do when we went to walk the labrador for example. Suddenly the children spontaneously felt like coming along when we went to walk the dog!

In recent years we had become accustomed to warm summers. This wintry weather has led climate deniers to believe that this is proof that climate change is just a hoax. The fact that we last had to deal with a heavy snowstorm in this part of the country in 2012 is proof that something is indeed going on. This used to be more common in the past. Even near the North Sea coast.

Labradors

Everything was different. Warm clothes were quickly found and we found out that the labrador was not bothered by the cold. These dogs have a double coat. Cold doesn’t bother these dogs. On the other hand, they suffer a lot from the heat in the summer.

Social media

You couldn’t ignore it on social media. Everyone enthusiastically posted pictures of the winter scenes. I myself was a little less happy in the morning. As much as I would have liked to have gone out with my camera, I didn’t. Snow, like rain, isn’t too good for your camera. Certainly, the powder snow that fell today was not too good. Fortunately, I thought that it is best to make your own rain cover for your camera. A snow cover. I was not completely satisfied with the result, because I could only use the lens in one position. Zooming out or zooming in was not possible. It was better than nothing at all.

That way I was also able to make my contribution. Although I did come across some strange animals every now and then. Probably attracted to the Beast from the North…

A penguin in the street

Right, a penguin…

Polar bears in the street

Yes, yes, polar bears!

Yeti

While walking the dog you really come across everything!

Polar Bear on the table

“Dad, can we keep it please?”

All different?

Was it all different? Not really. What was the difference from before, except that I am a father myself now? We used to play in the snow and so did my kids. Because I myself lived a minute’s walk from school, there was no question of ice-free. Tomorrow it will. Then many schools in the Netherlands close their doors. Logical, because I don’t think it’s fun to hit the road in the morning.

However, it used to be more common that winter weather could be enjoyed. In my mind, I think back to endless winters. Like endless summers, this was not the case. The winters were not endless time. They were, however, endless in experiences, in memories. Let’s hope that these days will also remain in our memory for a long time. A day when, despite a strict lockdown, we could forget for a while that we weren’t there yet.

Not thinking about it is not a denial. It is a moment when you realize that small things can make you very happy. Let that now be a beautiful lesson of the times in which we live. Cherishing that little happiness. If you do that long enough, it will grow big or big on its own!