A Winter of Our Discontent

I used to spend fall praying for a snowy winter-I couldn’t wait to hunker down, light the fireplace, make some chicken soup in the crockpot, and watch the snowfall. There was always something so magical about snow. It brought me back to my childhood of snowmen, snow forts, snow angels, snow days. I remember fondly the snow packed into my red rubber snow boots -the ones with the single button-and catching snowflakes on our tongues. We couldn’t wait to get outdoors and experience this transformation of the dreary gray winter into a snowy blanket of white.

Then came the winter of 2026-it was predicted by the Farmer’s Almanac to be a ‘bad’ one -but if they say that often enough, one year they are sure to be correct. I was hopeful though and as the flakes started to fall, I realized that perhaps my prayers had been answered. I texted ABC News to ask that the newscasters please not spread ‘snow animosity’ over the airways. That some of us out there still believe in the magic of a beautiful winter day – that we can be rivetted by forecasts of snow measured in inches and sometimes even feet coming our way-glued to the weather channel like a Yankee fan to ESPN.

The winter of 2025-2026 (specifically the Feb. 22-24, 2026 blizzard) was historic for Sag Harbor and the East End of Long Island, breaking long-standing records and burying the region in over two feet of snow. The Feb. 22–24, 2026, blizzard was described as one of the worst to hit Long Island, with snowfall rates that broke records dating back to 1963. This winter was characterized by a "relentless pattern of storms" and a powerful bomb cyclone, making it one for the record books across the region.

Yes, dreams do come true and then some. Could it be a new trend toward an old weather pattern? This year we canceled three Sunday Services and I’m sure blew through the snow removal budget. My husband purchased a new snowblower -which usually predicts no sign of snow – but he was pleasantly surprised to have it earn its keep. Time to get back on my cross-country skis and snowshoes and enjoy nature’s jamboree.

As some folks are prone to escape to warmer climes, we too planned a month away-a chance to thaw and walk in the sunshine. It’s a hard pull for me leave– but I go hesitantly – pack way too much- and always wish I was home. There is something hardy about living through all of the seasons - rather than a glancing blow of summer and then reentering the sequence already in progress- confused and muddled as to what comes next. Have I missed the peepers? The daffodils? The final snowflakes?

Enduring the turning of the seasons keeps us on course -helps us to connect with nature, increases mindfulness and promotes resilience. It gives us time to slow down and prepare for all of the activities of summer. Living through these cycles helps us to accept change, find beauty in every stage, and build a life of balance and patience. I know, easy for me to say. But I think we live in the perfect place to always anticipate something wonderful and new coming our way-happy spring everyone-I think perhaps it’s all just a matter of loving what is.