After an extended holiday/weather delay, I am back with our first post of the not-so New Year.  With yesterday’s ice storm behind us and another wintry mix scheduled for the weekend, I am taking a moment to sit back and relax before welcoming yet another Snow Day.

Yesterday was Groundhog Day and while some of the furry forecasters of spring canceled their previews due to inclement weather conditions, it seems that two local favorites, Punxsutawney Phil and Staten Island Chuck emerged and did not see their shadows, indicating an early spring this year.  While I am not endorsing the power of their predictions, I can only pray that they are correct and that I can rid myself of the excessive guilt that has plagued me.

You see, Irwin & I feel somewhat responsible for this winter’s worrisome weather patterns.  I can’t help but wonder what the past six weeks might have been like had we opted for a tropical inspired holiday for Holiday House NYC this past December, rather than our family’s beloved non-calendar Holiday: Snow Day.  

While "Everyone Loves a Snow Day", this season to date has proven to be too much of a good thing and after learning that age old lesson, “be careful what you wish for”, I am going to press my luck and return to the well one more time to request that a freeze be put on winter.

Yes, I am digging my way out of winter’s glaze and setting my sights on a different kind of ice to carry us through the balance of this brutal season. I am focusing on the crystalline beauty and majestic glow of these timeless gems that offer us sparkle and warmth and put a positive spin on the phrase “ice in the winter”.

So, as we wait patiently for spring and additional daylight hours, feeling the warmth of the sun baking through our windowpanes please accept our apology for the awful weather and join us as we enjoy the icy beauty of these Mid Century masterpieces.

I am substituting this glistening beauty:

With theses glistening beauties:

And these icicles:

with these icicles:

And these super-sized frozen wonders:

with these super-sized masterpieces

And, as we forge ahead galoshes in tow, ever ready for the next relentless, bone-chilling blizzard or ice storm, a glimmer of color and the promise of springtime are always within reach.

As Irwin welcomed spring into the gallery with these:

We welcome you to begin to conjure up spring-like thoughts with these:

So stay safe and warm and remember, as winter's reign comes to an end and spring emerges, the warm glow and beauty of our favorite brand of ice will remain.