my toes are frozen

and i am enraptured. my world has transformed right before my very eyes. I opened my blinds this morning to be thoroughly thrilled. It's snowing and at least 2 inches thick (3 or 4 now). But this isn't your ordinary snow. This is... goose down.

The flakes are fluffy... and big. Usually a jolly one- or two-inch-er, but up to 4 inches wide ~ as they fall. The snow sits on the trees and roofs like aerated icing. To look up into the sky borders on dangerous, for you are instantaneously mesmerized. You can see the snow falling, each huge flake, from so way up there. It's like the clouds are slowly softly disintegrating.

and this town must be under a spell. like it's suddenly been plunged into Narnia. Or the people are suddenly human. They walk down the street like cars are non-existent, likewise sidewalks (where elsewise they would be prudently plodding), and like streets are made for walking. Which in my opinion is a much better concept, for on the sidewalk, you can't see how beautifully the trees on each side overhang the road. they are quite outdoorsy, nature-appreciating, and athletic here, but rather particular about having things in their place.

the number of people out and about isn't too terribly higher (double at most. roughly a bit more than peak time in the afternoon) But... they're acting strange. abnormal. They stop and talk to each other, while their dogs play with each other unleashed. Completely out of character, you must understand. To be acknowledged as you pass by is a surprise, to be smiled at a delight, to be greeted something to be wondered at. The prevalent attitude, you get the impression, is that if they even noticed your presence, they would be personally affronted.

What on earth happened? How did the people suddenly become human? ...a guy making a snowman on the sidewalk.... a golden retriever running happily around... kid in total heaven... biker trying to go along but just making walking speed (so much for nonchalantly breezing by)... a woman walks by with each hand occupied - one holding the leash of another golden dog, the other pulling a sled with two very happy lil buggers holding on... three kids "walk" along the sidewalk - first dancing, then jumping, then stomping, now bending over, now standing gazing - oop! one down!... a car stops and the driver gets out to remove snow that half-blocks the windshield. ...and! my lands! a nearby pedestrian just comes right up and starts wiping huge drifts off the hood!...people stopping while walking along with their dogs - and standing still - and talking to each other friendly-like!... and someone stops in the middle of the street and takes a huge luxurious gulp of coffee (the coffee is reassuring. still eugene. city of coffeeshops and bakeries)... people saunter four across down the street...a mother sternly and industriously throws snowballs at her girl...people ski along the road... they come out with sleds and tubes and play and laugh and throw snowballs... you actually hear voices... relaxed voices... happy voices, cheerful, not afraid to be heard. ... snowmen grin at you from peoples' lawns... a neighbor industriously sculptures an artistic snow column against her house... people aren't outside to prudently take care of themselves or their lawns or commune with nature. they're sauntering, taking their time, laughing, conversing, smiling, seeing each other. I never thought I'd see people in Eugene.