Snapshot Muse #4 The Wonders of Winter

Wikipedia definition of hoar frost:  Frost is the solid deposition of water vapor from humid air. It is formed when the temperature of a solid surface is below the freezing point of water and also below the frost point. The size of frost crystals varies depending on the time they have been building up and the amount of water vapour available. Frost crystals are translucent, but scatter light in many directions, so that a coating of frost appears white.

Aside from the scientific explanation, hoar frost is undoubtedly the exclamation mark of winter - maybe even two exclamation marks. Like God is reminding us, that beside our brutal cold days, treacherous snow, slush and ice, our winters offer breath-taking beauty as well! I love hoar frost days, when everything is sparkling with a thick layer of snow particles. Trees, shrubs... and even the forgotten spider webs, still clinging to the walls and ceiling of our school porch, have been magically transformed. Not everybody will share my sentiments, but I'm glad that these webs didn't get swept down in fall. For how else would I have had the opportunity to admire this spectacle in the dead of winter? Definitely cause to pause and reflect... I'm amazed that our strong winds didn't blow them down completely. Can you imagine the strength of the silk and glue of these creations? Spider webs are silky pieces of natural art anyway - add a touch of frost and the wonder is magnified - the intricate patterns created by the tiny spider are thicker and more visible.

Which brings to mind a song I heard from the Lundstroms many years ago, 'The Beauty of the Snow'. (Well, I teach Kindergarten, so 'Eensy, Weensy Spider' comes to mind, too.) In fact, I listened to this song from one of those vinyl records. Remember those? I always wonder why nobody recycles them, when I see piles of them at a thrift store. Doesn't seem like they're such a hot item anymore, even as collectables.

A spectacular work of creation, is showing all over our nation.

Mountains so high, reach for the sky,

Lifting the wind as it goes. 
I'm amazed at the wonders of winter.
You see, my knowledge is only a splinter.
No two snowflakes can be, the same you see.
That's the beauty of the snow.

In the beauty of a snowflake,
We can see the effort God makes
To show his majesty to man below.
Oh, it's a wonder and a splendor!
Oh, it's something to remeber,
How God can make the beauty of the snow!!


Do you know that one? It has a lovely, catchy melody. I was hoping to find it on You Tube....