Before the storm hits New Zealand this week, bright, colourful leaves are falling on the fields everywhere. I remember a time when I was walking and watching our dogs play and romp around the fields, and it was such a delight to see so many colourful leaves. I couldn’t help but join in their playful chase, feeling the crisp air on my face and the crunch of the leaves under my boots. It’s moments like these that truly make winter unique.
“Winter is on my head, but eternal spring is in my heart.” – Victor Hugo. This quote from Victor Hugo beautifully captures the essence of winter, where the external cold contrasts with the warmth and hope within us. It reminds me that even in the coldest times, a spark of life and joy can always keep us going.
“Blow, blow, thou winter wind, thou art not so unkind as man’s ingratitude.” – William Shakespeare.
Last Wednesday, late afternoon, the storm came across the North Island, and we were prepared for safety and warmth in our homes. Several power cuts, high winds, and trees falling over in Greater Auckland and Raglan as we saw the news on the television. The storm disrupted our daily routine, but it also brought a sense of adventure and resilience. Thursday morning came, and I inspected the property while the dogs romped under the watchful eyes because our young pup managed to slip through the fence while chasing the bloody rabbit. There was no damage here except that the wall of the roof sheet in the garden blew down, and loose dead branches were everywhere. As I wear hearing aids, I can hear the crushing noise, but it is not strong enough when I walk through fallen colourful leaves.
“Winter is a glorious spectacle of glittering fractals complete with a soundscape and atmosphere entirely its own.” – Anders Swanson. Winter is a time of unique beauty and wonder. The way the frost sparkles on the trees, the sound of the wind whistling through the bare branches, and the crispness of the air are all part of the magic of winter that I truly appreciate.
Putting the gumboots on, I walk while the dogs play, chase each other, and romp over the leaves. Our older dog, Jazz, accompanies me side by side. The vibrating of the sounds through my gumboots gave me the echo-vibrating sound travel up to my upper body through my hearing aids of the leaves crushing sounds when I walked on. The air was crisp and cold, and the sound of the leaves under my boots echoed through the quiet winter landscape. It was a moment of pure winter magic.
It’s Saturday here. My partner suggested we need a blower vacuum instead of raking all the leaves yearly. We headed over to Bunnings Warehouse in the city of Hamilton. We inspected the prices and the weight of handling the blower vacuum for me as I have Cervical disc Degeneration Radiopathy on my right side, and to ensure I don’t prolong the period when using the equipment and strain my right side overnight, which causes soreness and pain. Winter brings challenges, but with some creativity and support, we can find ways to overcome them and enjoy the season.
“Winter is nature’s sleep.” – H.S. Jacobs
Life in Eureka 