Enjoying a quiet walk in the woods during winter creates intimacy and memories. Photo credit: Pexels

A light snowfall graced the midnight sky. He left work after closing the business for the night, counted the day’s earnings, and placed them in the safe. He called me thirty minutes prior, asking if I wanted to take a walk. He needed to settle his mind, and a midnight stroll through the quiet, small community in which we lived often helped him, and me, do just that.

I agreed, and by the time he arrived at my small rental house, I had bundled into my winter coat, gloves, and scarf. A quick smile and kiss, then, after tucking my hand through his arm, we strolled through the tiny town edged with pine trees. Barely a breath of wind stirred. Silence enveloped us and twinkling lights of blue, white, red, and green spoke of the holiday season drawing near. Streetlamps cast a glow upon the snowy ground while lacey white flakes continued to fall from the sky, capturing tenacles of light as they floated through the air.

The occasional hoot of an owl or howl from a coyote rippled through the night, bringing a smile to each of our faces. No traffic, few people, no worries of crime or drunk drivers, and lack of pollution contributed to the joy of walking neighborhood streets in a tiny village adjacent to Yellowstone National Park. I basked in this seasonal stroll for three winters, and the memory still makes me smile.

Such intimacy with nature and another human being made its way into my most recent book. Paws-ing for Love: A Pet Rescue Romance Christmas Story takes place in southwestern Montana, an area in which I resided for nearly 14 years. Yellowstone is one of my favorite places, and the gateway communities of Gardiner and West Yellowstone offer an abundance of natural beauty, fresh air, and small-town living. No matter the season, the joy of closeness to nature and one’s neighbors abounds. However, there’s just something about winter, whether the weather is mild or harsh, that enfolds such closeness even more.

The stillness of a forest, the gentleness of fresh snow, and the joy of being together to share the experience — a romantic venture. Photo credit: Unsplash

In the book, Rhiann and her love, Levi, relish the outdoors, and during winter, they ski, snowshoe, and walk. They also take sleigh rides. I’ve done that twice in my life: once as a child and another time as an adult. I’ve also skied and snowshoed. I’ve been on a dogsled ride. I’ve snowmobiled into Yellowstone and taken a snow coach trip into the park. Each winter activity brought rosiness to my cheeks and a smile to my face (except the numerous times I fell with those snowshoes! That only brought frustration!). The crisp winter air, the invigorating smell of pine, and the sounds of wildlife, from songbirds and owls to coyotes and elk, stimulate the senses, awakening one’s awareness to the grandeur of nature.

Yet, nothing beats a walk in winter, especially with someone you love. The slower pace, the pleasure of holding hands, laying a head upon a shoulder, observing the lights upon houses and in the sky, the sound of crunching snow beneath boots, the feel of fresh snow upon one’s face – so romantic, so intimate, so pleasurable. So memorable.

May you enjoy sweet memories as winter rolls in this year.

Enjoy the winter with someone you love! Photo credit: PexelsBOOK EXCERPT: Paws-ing for Love: A Pet Rescue Romance Christmas Story

That night, after dinner at the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel, Levi and Rhiann strolled hand-in-hand along the snow-covered, yet plowed sidewalk across from the hotel. Their walk took them near historic buildings, preserved from the early days of Yellowstone’s designation as America’s first national park, when the Army was assigned jurisdiction of protecting the natural resources. Log buildings with educational signposts spread along the roadway of Mammoth, Wyoming. Towering lamps lit the walkway, and though the temperature hovered near ten degrees above zero, Rhiann and Levi stayed warm in their woolen coats and leather gloves. His brown Stetson with ear covers provided protection as well, and the black and white alpaca scarf he’d given Rhiann for Christmas last year added a warm layer to her head and neck.

A full yet pale moon offered light for their walk as well. They wandered farther from the hotel in order to view the star-ridden sky away from artificial light. The stillness only broke when they heard munching of grass from elk lying down in the islands between concrete roads and sidewalks. Levi kept his guard up in case any of the large animals should decide to approach, as he’d seen some do on occasional visits to the park.

“Well, no swans today, but so many other animals,” Rhiann whispered.

“We still may see some tomorrow before we leave the valley,” he responded in a soft tone.

“Just to think – those beautiful birds were on the verge of extinction by 1900, and if it hadn’t been for some people deciding to protect them, we’d never experience their majesty.”

“That’s true of Yellowstone itself, too,” Levi said, still keeping his voice low. “And all the wildlife here.”

“And because of those fore-sighted people, we get to enjoy this,” she said.

“And because of you, I get to enjoy this even more than I would,” he responded.

She stopped walking and turned to face him. He stopped also and looked into her eyes. Rhiann drew her face to his, and he enjoyed the fruits of sweetness as her lips joined his then traveled to his cheek and his ear. Eyes closed, he savored the light tenderness. Afterward, she snuggled against his chest. and he wrapped his arms around her. He felt his heart might explode with joy and love.

A coyote howled, and soon after, a chorus unfolded. Rhiann raised her head and whispered, “Perhaps they’re singing for us.”

Levi smiled and drew her close again.

“Perhaps they are,” he whispered.

Paws-ing for Love is available as an e-book for just .99 cents this week on various platforms. Download your copy, or gift a copy to someone you love this holiday season, here:

https://books2read.com/u/3RJdPj

My newest release in the Pet Rescue Romance series is available in e-book format for JUST .99 this holiday season! You can also order print copies of the book.Pet Principle:

Taking a winter stroll with our pets can also be enjoyable. However, there are a few hazards to keep in mind, including ice crystals between their toes, damage to pads of paws, and ingesting anti-freeze. According to the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), “Massaging petroleum jelly or other paw protectants into paw pads before going outside can help protect from salt and chemical agents. Booties provide even more coverage and can also prevent sand and salt from getting lodged between bare toes and causing irritation. Use pet-friendly ice melts whenever possible.”

Additionally, according to the organization, “antifreeze is a lethal poison for dogs and cats. Be sure to thoroughly clean up any spills from your vehicle and consider using products that contain propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol.”

Click here to read more on how to enjoy a safe snow-day with your beloved pet from the folks at Chewy.com:

https://be.chewy.com/winter-pet-safety-6-tips-enjoy-snow-day-dog/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIoZGhjtHB9AIVix-tBh1s2gMKEAAYASAAEgJYvvD_BwE

Being outdoors in winter with your furry friend can be enjoyable … but also hazardous. Keep pets away from anti-freeze, monitor their paws for cuts and injuries, and insure winter’s chill doesn’t harm them. Photo credit: Pexels