Serge, our glob-trotting friend and neighbour, just back from another of his sun-seeking, winter-escaping trips, stopped his car as we were walking down the street, caught in a bit of a snow squall, with our two little dogs in tow, just finished our afternoon ravine hike. First thing out of his mouth was how nice it was atmospherically, a cynical smile emphasizing his meaning with the clear intention of indicating how little he could appreciate the cold and the snow, on his return from sunnier climes.

Our response was agreement, that it was indeed 'nice'; beautiful, in fact, and he would be astonished how lovely it was deep in the forested ravine that he had never once ventured into despite living right next to the ravine for 30 years. He changed tack immediately, nodding in agreement that it was indeed quite special, thus redeeming himself as a Canadian, able to recognize nature's blessings when he sees it. Who can blame him?

We've tried the sunning-on-a-beach routine, and found it wanting. It seemed farcical, false and we felt as though we were props in a public relations getaway aimed to propel discontented people toward a lifestyle they imagined more reflective of casual recreation. Simply put, it was not 'our thing', reflecting either our values or our propensity to be actively engaged in any natural environment we find ourselves in.

At this time of year, when February is preparing to depart and the following month anxious to march in, however, we're kind of tired of the unrelenting 'weather'; the deep, bone-chilling cold, the winds, the freezing rain, ice pellets, incessant snow and dreadful driving conditions. This time of year presents as the dreariest, the most grasping at the limits of our patience, awaiting spring and the renewal of life.

For us, it's a relief that we're interested so deeply in nature, and wish to remain a living part of it by inclination, propelling us into our natural environment daily, to restore that bond. And if we're tired of the cold and the ice, how much more tedious and difficult it must be for those who haven't the least wish to install themselves however temporarily in nature's bosom to enjoy what winter offers? Let alone those who would like to, but cannot for reasons of encumbering health problems.