The first snow of the year covers the top of mountains and hills across the islands. My favorite photo of the scenery at this season? That’s the one. Small shed, ragged ridge. Our backyard mountain, so to speak, the old shed and a color palette from all kinds of green to brown and lilac that day. The clock of the universe stoically ticking in secret, towards more snow, severe storms and signs telling drivers “No winter operations“ on some of the mountain roads. Soonish, I’ll be able to skate across our frosted back porch in rubber shoes again. How many days until Christmas?