January 2024 Backyard Bulletin

View the full edition at this link.

When I was in 5th grade, we had to write a set of instructions for making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Next, my teacher sat at the front of the classroom and worked his way through various students' instruction sheets, following them to a T. I'll never forget Mr. Bennett slathering peanut butter all over his face because the instruction said "put the peanut butter on" without specifying what, exactly, to put it on. It was an important lesson in specificity and, in a weird way, this winter has been reminding me of that 5th grade class. "I hope we don't get so much snow in November this year," Check. Nearly none until January. "Okay, but I still want winter!" Done, -20 degrees. "Too cold!" Rain in the forecast. "Arrrgh!"

I wish more specific instructions (25 degree highs and small snowstorms 1-3 times per week, please) could have brought us the winter of my dreams. However, I'm still grateful for this winter's perpetual reminder to be opportunistic and creative. Just because nature isn't serving up the fun on a silver platter, doesn't mean we can't still eat! If the snow is in, go skiing. If the snow is out, take a walk and enjoy your warm toes. If it's crystal clear and freezing cold, go find enough sunlight to warm your bones just a little. And, if it's cold and rainy, throw a party or find a community event to go to! If we're gonna be inside, we might as well be inside together.

-Bridger Layton, Education Programs Coordinator