Winter can be such a tough time up north. I’m told there may be a “January thaw”. But this year has been all different. We have had pretty nice weather after a couple of big early blizzards. But last week we had a real deep freeze. Even though this desert dog has become a dedicated snow dog, I’m not that fond of 30 below! I hustle right back to the house!
A Chinook is a warm dry wind that has mercy on those of us on the east slopes of the Rockies. It is like a miracle in the darkest, coldest time of year. Suddenly we believe in Spring again! 
Last year, we had gale force winds early instead. The ice is gone and roads are bare. But the chicken coop blew partly over, the horses feed tubs blew away, and a big piece of the barn roof sailed off across the cow pasture!
I learned that a 50-pound dog on ice is a risky bet against that, but to stay close to the house on the leeward side as much as possible. It does cut into exploring though, and I stay in more.
Now this week, it looks like we may be blessed with a Chinook.
We may yet have a January Thaw. Look out, because after that is usually the coldest days of the year. But don’t panic and wring your paws – it isn’t global warming, just a normal cycle when the Arctic weather patterns trap the cold up north, and the balmy pacific air blows inland further east.
Pretty good weather lesson from a cowdog, you say? I hear it from Mom, because country people need to keep track of things like temperatures, weather and road conditions.
I walked the meadow with mom today. We found an new antler the buck dropped recently. 
It seemed like Spring, but I know it isn’t yet.
The best thing about the Chinook and the Thaw, is anticipation and hope. It is a great gift, however brief, in a heartless winter. The real blessing is a reminder that winter won’t last forever, it will warm up again. Now it may not be right now, but this is a hint.
It is snowing again.
Look up. Dark as it seems, the sun is still there. Grip up, stay strong, and don’t let developments snow you under.
