Hi friends,
Happy to be back with you this week. I don’t know about you, but being a summer girl at heart, winters can be hard on me. In Maryland it’s cold and dreary most of the time. We have this grey blanket that covers the sky often. Since I’m a blue sky and sun kind of girl, the lack of sunshine often weighs me down.
I lived in Albuquerque, New Mexico for a number of years, and the winters were milder and the sky was big and the sun bright. Ever since we moved back to the east coast twenty-eight years ago, I’ve never adjusted to the low temps. After living in Maryland, the longest of any place I’ve lived, you’d think I’d warm up, but it hasn’t happened yet.
I don’t let it stop me from heading to the beach.
Or hiking near our home. Hiking at night is so much fun!
However, I’ve learned to appreciate more about winter over the last couple years. I’d still pick summer over it any day. With COVID and my weakened immunity due to a variety of autoimmune conditions and the treatment for Lupus in particular, I’ve been extremely limited in venturing out much. I decided, or rather, God has clearly pointed out, there is much for me to be thankful for. Taking the stance of gratitude, I’ve looked for things I enjoy about winter. First and foremost would be snow. I love the majestic beauty of thick, powdery flakes falling to the ground.
But my favorite reason for snow is the joy it brings to my grandsons.
And, of course, our Newfie baby. He views a snowy backyard as his personal playland.
It’s also the time that pictures and videos of my favorite animal show up often.
That’s right. Moose are my favorite animal. I think they are adorable! If you’ve read my Alaskan Courage series, then you’ll recall one of the McKenna siblings who loves moose as much as I do. If you haven’t had a chance to read the McKenna’s adventures now is a great time.
In fact, I’m giving away the first two books in my Alaskan Courage series along with a few of my winter favorites to one lucky winner. How do you enter? Easy. Just comment below with one thing you love about winter, and I’ll randomly pick a winner on Friday.
Best of luck,
Dani
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It can be pretty and know we need Winter but not a fan of snow and cold temps.
I feel ya. I am definitely bundled up in low-temp gear when I’m outside. I am not a fan of the cold either and with Raynaud’s I have to make sure I keep my hands and feet extremely warm.
I enjoy a good, deep snow that slows everything down. Growing up in Virginia where we used to get at least one big one every winter, it was great fun to get out the sled and go sledding on our hill. Back then, we would gather with friends and sled on the road that led into our neighborhood. We seldom get those snows now but I enjoy going for a drive “just to see if I can make it.”
I grew up in Virginia too! Loved getting the one big snow where all of us in the neighborhood would sled down the hill from my friend’s house to mine and then bank hard and go down to my other friend’s house. Such fun memories 🙂
What part of Virginia? I grew up in Bassett, wood furniture capitol of the world back then. We lived on a hill. My brother and I would pull our sleds a short ways out the road, jump on, and sled down the road for about a half of a mile. At the bottom, our road intersected with a side road with a cinder block wall on the other side. We would make an 80 degree turn onto the side road before coming to a stop. The steepest part was the last two-tenths of a mile. That was the best sledding, so we would join our friends there and spend the afternoon. Great fun!
I like you am a summer girl. After living in the Northeast for 30 plus years we have moved home to Arkansas. Yay! Pennsylvania winters were harsh and upstate New York was brutal. My favorite thing about Winter is Spring and Summer are next and fast approaching!
LOL! I love that answer. That’s true. Spring and Summer are next and we aren’t too far from Spring and all the blooming flowers.
One of my very favorite things about winter is how the crisp clear nights make the stars in the sky feel so close! A lot of meteor showers seem to be in winter, and I just love sitting out and waiting to see them falling. =)
Oh wow! Never thought about that. Hmmm. Going to start looking for sure. What a wonderful thing to enjoy.
I LOVE snow…watching it fall to the ground, playing in it, and discovering animal footprints in it. I love drinking hot cocoa afterwards to get warm. And, I love the excuse to cozy up in a blanket & reading a great book. ☃️😍❄🥰📚
You sound very much like me. Snow–cocoa–blanket and a book. Great way to go!
Oh my goodness! My favorite thing about winter, hmm. (Only one thing?;)) Well, I think I will have to go with the first snowflakes. When you look up and see the first one it feels like magic. It’s almost like opening the first present on Christmas. It’s like God sprinkled down his own sort of jewels.
I love that description–God sprinkled down his own sort of jewels. That’s beautiful imagery. Won’t look at snowflakes the same again. Thanks so much for sharing.
I, like you, prefer summer. I do like the quiet and peacefulness of falling snow. The snow can be so pretty when it first falls.
Yep. I’m a summer girl through and through, but you’re right…there is such quiet peacefulness in the falling snow. Especially at night with the fire roaring and the big flakes falling around.
What I love about winter is the beautiful weather and lack of humidity — because I live in South Florida! Winter is the best season here, especially without the threat of hurricanes.
Yep. You’ve got some great weather down there in the winter. I have sweet friends north of Tampa and I LOVE visiting in the winter and writing out on my friend’s screened-in porch with a cup of coffee and writing as the sun comes up. Just beautiful.
I’m with you, I’m a summer girl who loves the sun and the beach… living in WI. But I do love the beauty of a snowfall!
Sun and beach, you just can’t beat!
I grew up in Denver, but now live in TX thanks to the Air Force. I love winter, snow and cold. I was also stationed in Fairbanks Alaska for 4 years. I LOVED it there. Everything about it and so Moose are also me favorite animal. Your Alaskan Series was amazing.
I love that moose are your favorite animal too. It’s so cool you got to be stationed in Alaska. Do you think you’ll ever go back?
The one thing I’m most thankful for in winter is our woodstove (and the electric blanket on our bed)! I do not like to be cold and I do not like winter. I’m the person who always has the heater on under my desk at work and who is always cold when no one else is. My hands and feet are consistently cold. Even during the summer with the air conditioner running, I have to go sit outside just to warm up and I never wear shorts and summer attire. I usually have on pants and a t-shirt. Praise the Lord for wood heat!!!
I’m right with you. I always have the heater on by my desk and often a heating pad nearby when I need some concentrated warmth. I’ve found when I’m cold, the only that warms me up is hot water–hot shower or bath or even just running my hands under the sink. Maybe that’ll help you too.
I love to watch the snow fall too, but being a “senior” I am not too happy to have to get out in it!
I sleep so much better in the winter! I am heat intolerant, and can’t afford to cool my home off enough to be comfortable during the warm months. Plus I can crochet blankets during the winter. I’d rather shovel than do yard work too! Winter is my season!
I’m not a huge fan if winter either, but here in Texas it usually doesn’t get terribly cold. I’m grateful that it’s not 110 degrees like it can get here in the summer, now that’s a good reason to like winter. Extreme heat is miserable!
I don’t like winter much either. But I love that my husband lights the fire of the fireplace almost everyday. It makes the house feel cozy and it looks warm and welcoming.
My favorite thing about winter is the first good sledding night. (Yes, my brothers and I are fans of nighttime sledding. It’s so fun!) When we come back in to the house, Mom makes homemade cocoa and usually some cookies or sometimes cinnamon rolls. It’s a First Sledding Night tradition! 😀
Hi, Dani!
I live in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, about 20 miles south of Lake Superior. So, yes, we get tons of snow! It is so beautiful! In our younger days, we loved snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ice fishing and other winter sports, but not much anymore. Thanks for the giveaway and have a blessed day!
Well I’m a southern girl. Have lived in Louisiana, Georgia and now Florida, so I like to be warm. My favorite thing about winter is staying inside when it’s cold, wrapping myself in a warm afghan and drinking a hot cup of tea with either a good book to read or a good flick to watch. I also enjoy looking at pictures of snowy places and my grandsons playing in the snow while I stay in my warm place!
I live in Arizona, so I love that I can actually plant things and they won’t burn to a crisp; we can go outside for long walks; leave the windows open and wear sweatshirts and snuggle in blankets at night when we watch tv!
Okay, so jealous. That sounds lovely!
Living in Alabama, our winters are usually mostly mild with a little cold. We don’t get a lot of snow and when we do, it shuts the state down if it’s more than a dusting! I actually really love our winters!
I’m cold for about four months of the year here in mid Michigan, so I love warm, fuzzy sweaters and a good pair of slippers. I feel like Mr. Rogers every time I come home. Coat and boots off, sweater and slippers on. 🙂
I love snow! Unfortunately, living in Oklahoma for the last 29 years I don’t see as much as I would like. I think my favorite thing about snow is the quietness as it falls. It is peaceful.
I also suffers from immunosuppressive issues, and seasonal depression in the winter. I love the snow because it seems like it makes everything brighter. Everything clean. And when it snows the air is crisp and clean. To me that cleanest brightness and Christmas speaks of hope.
I’m sorry you also suffer with immunosuppressive issues and seasonal depression.But I’m glad the clean brightness and Christmas speaks of hope. I totally agree. Sending a virtual hug your way.
That should’ve said crispness not Christmas. Talk to text isn’t working very well today. Having shoulder issues, and shoulder replacement surgery next week…
I like the cold of winter. It’s easier to put on layers than more than take off more than I’m willing to take off. I like the way the snow and lays on the branches of the trees. We don’t get as much snow as we used to but I think it’s beautiful when we do, as long as I don’t have to drive in it.
Winter has not always been a favorite of mine…not a fan of cold or the muddy slush that follows melting snow. However, as a homebody (when I can be), I appreciate the opportunity for some forced seclusion. I’m an educator, so winter weather also means “snow days”! I do love the soft quiet that you can only experience during a fresh snowfall!
I live on the West Coast, in the Bay Area of California. Pretty much the only time it rains is in the winter. I love listening to the rain on the rooftops while falling asleep at night all snugly and warm in bed. Thank you for entering me in your contest. The prizes looks so fun!
I LOVED your Alaskan Courage Series! I live in Michigan and we have FRIGID weather right now! My favorite thing about winter is getting snowed in with my family, getting cozy on the couch with a blanket & fire going and diving into a good book! I also enjoy going sledding with my kids & drinking hot chocolate. Although I prefer our summers!!
I love to watch my family play hockey on the ice rink we built.
I love to see the trees covered in snow! It’s one of my favorite things about winter!
I love the holidays associated with winter–Christmas and Valentine’s Day in particular. Christmas is all about God’s love for us, and Valentine’s Day gives us another opportunity to express our love for one another.
Honestly, my favorite thing about winter is when it is over. I don’t mind a white Christmas, but that is my limit:)
My favorite thing about winter would be snow. I love the silence that comes with snow. Rain is calming and I love a good thunderstorm but there is just something about softly falling snow (we’re getting some today!) that quiets my mind.
And hot chocolate….can’t forget that!
I love winter’s cool crisp air. Sitting by a crackling fire, wrapped in a soft blanket with a good book and coffee makes me smile. I love the winter holidays! Winter makes Spring time more beautiful the older I get.
I love snow! And hot cocoa and cozy clothes. Our son and his family live right next door, and our grand-dog Ginger (chocolate lab) is ecstatic about snow! So funny! First, we play ball. Then when the ball is too sodden to go any distance and she is hot, she plays roll in the snow and eat as much as she can. So adorable! Just a bit less adorable than watching the 2 grands all bundled up hauling their sleds up the little hill in the pasture. Ahhh.
I’m not a fan of the cold weather, but when it snows, it is so beautiful. I especially love seeing the snow on the trees. I love warm boots and warm gear this time of year and drinking hot chocolate and hot tea with local honey to warm up.
Hi Dani!
So, fall is my personal favorite season. The colors, the weather, everything. But I also enjoy winter. My favorite thing about winter is snow. But, living in AR, we dont see much of that around here. Hehehe. But I also love sitting in front of a warm, wood stove, enjoying a good book.
What I love about winter is staying inside and getting cozy with a book. Wrapping up in a comfy sweater and fleece lined pants. I love your Alaska series!
I love warm sweaters, bonfires, and hot cocoa, and of course snuggling up to read.
I love, love, love the snow, and being inside where it is warm with a cup of coffee or tea to watch the snow fall down. I also love the rosy cheeks that come from being out in the snow! (Compared to the grumpy, weary faces with the summer heat!) That is my favorite part of winter!
I live in Maryland too! I dislike when we have slushy muck from snow but when we have real snow I love it!
I know. That slushy muck is the worst! I know my grandsons are hoping for a TON more snow. I’m good with more, but not sure a ton…LOL!
I live in Minnesota and the sun seems brighter and stronger here in the winter so it feels like it is warmer.
I am a summer girl as well! But winter is a nice change of pace. My favorite thing is being able to turn off the a/c a few times and open the doors! Not something I can do very often! I love moose too, btw .. and thought it was cute that you added that to the book! I think it was Piper, but I can’t remember.. it’s one of my favorite series!
Living in the Midwest, I am a summer girl too. What I do like about winter is reading or putting a puzzle together with my family in front of the fireplace.
My favorite thing about winter is curling up with a hot cup of tea, fuzzy socks and slippers, and getting under my favorite blanket with a great romantic suspense book!
Winter is my favorite season. The crisp, clean air. The ice glistening on the tree branches. The anticipation of a snow day on a school day. The knowledge that everything will come to life in just a few short weeks.
I’m a CA girl at heart, but since marriage we have been stationed at mostly cold places and now have settled in the midwest, but I do NOT like being cold at all. My favorite thing about winter is seeing the snow (like today, but from INSIDE) and the chance to snuggle up with blankets and read until time to get outside again and plant flowers and share and bring bouquets indoors.
I love making snowmen and having snowball fights with my 2 grandsons who are 7 and 11 years old. I’m not a fan of this bitter cold weather were having in right now. Thanks for this amazingly generous giveaway.
Grandkids are the best, aren’t they? They bring out the kid in us. It’s all joy and none of the parenting tasks. Yeah. I’m not good with cold. Bitter cold, especially. I was in Minnesota in the winter one year and it was like -30 and I thought I was going to turn into a popsicle.
I love the still and quietness brought by a blanket of snow. I love the smell of fresh snow. I love watching it snow, it’s so pretty then, unblemished from play, salt and sand, and grit. There’s a special beauty in snow.
Hey Denise! Always love ‘seeing’ you. Hope you’re staying safe and doing well. You’re right–fresh snow has such beauty. Not a fan of our charcoal-colored snow after the salt, sand and grit.
My favorite things about winter are lots of hot chocolate, building snowmen and making snow angels.
I love the beauty of fresh fallen snow. I love to go out when it’s nice and peaceful and just “listen” to the quiet! It’s a great reminder that God cleanses my sin and I’m made whiter than snow!
I’m a summer girl also. I hate being cold! So, I guess my favorite thing about winter is the slower pace that it brings. With shorter periods of daylight it seems to slow us down a bit. Thanks for do a giveaway!
I love the snow that blankets everything! There is a different kind of silence in nature when it snows.
From Pennsylvania and I love to watch it snow. Something so peaceful, even if it’s a snow storm. Snowflakes are beautiful. God made them unique just like us.
I grew up in Michigan and lived 15+ years in Connecticut, so I’m no stranger to the full onslaught of winter. Fortunately, I now live in the warmer climate of North Carolina so the winters are pretty mild. But, I still prefer the other 3 seasons! For me, winter can be tolerable since it brings Christmas fun and there’s nothing like curling up with a quilt, fire and coffee with a good book when its cold outside.
Hi Dani,
I enjoy cooler days with a cup of tea, coffee or hot chocolate. A good book is always part of it too.
Snow is pretty and my kids love to play in it, but I am very much a warm weather person!
I love snuggling up with my favorite blanket and a cup of coffee.
I live in the south, so I love the cooler temperatures. On the rare occasion we get snow, I love how it makes everything so beautiful!! It reminds me of God’s grace… it covers all the ugly stuff! 😁
I love snuggling into a blanket and drinking hot drinks
I love watching the snowflakes fall!
I love the thunderstorms and the rain it brings. The sound of rain on my roof and thunder rolling across the sky is such a soothing sound, it brings joy on my darkest days and light to my tired soul. I am so very grateful that I live in southeast Alabama where I get the rain in the winter instead of snow, I dislike snow with a passion.
I love winter for the comfort food that I get to bake in winter
I love snow too! It’s so pretty as it falls, and then how it blankets everything. I also like the crispness of the winter air.
What I love about winter? When it’s over.
Love watching the snow come down and feeling like I’m inside a snow globe! And if it’s cold enough and there’s no snow, ice skating on our pond!! ❤️❄️
As a child I loved winter here in Upstate NY. Playing in the snow, sledding and especially ice skating. Now as I am soon to turn 70 my favorite part of winter is staying in where it’s warm and cozy and knitting and watching my grandchildren sled down the hill in their backyard from the window! I am hoping for an early, warm and sunny spring.
I love a cozy fire, a warm cup of whatever and books! I do wish my ground had snow right now! 😞
Snow reminds me that GOD has washed me whiter than snow! I like looking at freshly fallen snow that sparkles!
I love being able to wear my winter weather boots. Most of them have a little bit of faux fur in them and they help keep my feet nice and warm. I also love the idea of being able to cuddle up by a fire with coffee and a good book.
Winter brings thoughts of hot chocolate, a fireplace and snuggling with my husband for warmth and love. Though in Georgia it can be 30 degrees one week and 70 the next and then back again. 🙂
Have enjoyed your books and haven’t read the second in this series. Thought of you often on my 3 trips to Alaska.
I prefer spring and fall to winter but there are benefits to it. I love when everything is covered in a crisp, sparkling blanket of snow. There is such beauty in it and reminds me of God’s promise that though my sins be as scarlet, He’ll make them as white as snow. The snow also causes the pace of life to slow down and I usually have more time for reading and mugs of hot tea. Fixing cups of hot chocolate for my boys after they come in from shoveling snow (or playing in it) also adds to the enjoyment of the season. I also enjoy making pots of chili and soup for my family to enjoy. Then there is Christmas but that’s a whole different post. 😉❄️☃️
We love snow in winter and one of our pups loves to play in snow with us. Our other pup is starting to like the snow more. We also have a tradition of walking barefoot together in the first snow. We also love to go hiking.
Thanks for a chance to win.
My favorite thing about winter is watching the snow fall… from indoors, of course!
Having teens who play fall and spring sports, life slows down for a brief season during the winter months. I love when everyone is home with no place to rush off to, snow days, comfort food, cozy blankets, hot chocolate and playing family games.
I love making a campfire in the winter and sitting around it watching
the flames dance in various heights and directions. I love sitting
there sharing memories of the past with my hubby, kids and grandkids!
I love watching everyone roast marshmallows on a big wire stick & watching
their faces as they enjoy the crispy, browned outside and melted insides of the
marshmallow!
I love the snow!! I love it most when I can be in front of a fire and watch it out the window. 😄
I love watching the snow fall or sparkle when the sun hits the snow looks like little diamonds in the snow
I love the McKennas. Read the Alaskan Courage series multiple times 😃. Ever thought of a sequel? 😉
I love the snow but really don’t like the cold that comes with it!
Love the McKenna siblings!
I love the beautiful snow!
Hi Dani, I’m new to your books and looking forward to reading more of them. I grew up on the Eastern shore of Maryland. Lived in Talbot County. I have a feeling you live on the Western Shore.
I love snow and it’s fun and beauty. Also reading by the fire – definitely a favorite winter pastime!
I love the way the snow glistens like diamonds on the pine trees in my backyard. I used to work at a school and would LOVE when we would have a snow day. I used that as an excuse to totally take the day off and read with a cup of tea and a cozy blanket!
I live in the snow belt of New York, so we get lots of lake effect snow. I love staying inside and watching the it fall. Unfortunately, it seems like the snow always comes while I’m at work; I do NOT love having to clean my vehicle off after. Lol.
I enjoy heading out into the snow and building snowmen. It almost always ends with a good natured snowball fight 🙂
I denfinitly miss summer but with cold weather I have a good excuse to stay inside and read. 😉
Snow days! Haha, although with school being online that hasn’t happened yet. I also love it when it’s thick enough and perfect for making a snowman. My sons love doing this!
My favorite thing is when the frost sticks to the trees.
Thanks so much, everyone, for your fun answers. I had the best time reading them. The giveaway winner is Marilyn T. I’ll be doing a giveaway here every few months so plenty of chances to win 🙂 Hope you all have a blessed week!
~Dani
Hot Chocolate,
Snuggling with our children
Sharing the pleasure of a Read-aloud Classic…. modern or ancient