After the Blizzard

The mountain homestead lay blanketed under three feet of snow. After three relentless days of howling winds and swirling flurries, the sun finally broke through the heavy clouds. The storm had passed, leaving behind a dazzling landscape of untouched white, glinting like diamonds under the winter sun.

Badger emerged first, bundled in his heavy winter coat, wielding a sturdy shovel. His breath hung in the frosty air as he surveyed the mounds of snow that had swallowed the homestead. Behind him, Yote trailed with his own shovel, a determined glint in his eye.

“It’s going to take all day to dig out,” Badger said, already pushing snow to carve a path toward the barn.

“It’s worth it,” Yote replied with a grin. “New Year’s is just around the corner. We’ve got to make sure everything’s ready for the big celebration.”

Together, they tackled the monumental task. Badger focused on clearing paths to the barn and cabin, while Yote worked to dig out the firewood pile and check on the smokehouse. Their teamwork made steady progress, and they chatted about their plans for the celebration as they worked.

“Do you think the neighbors will make it through the snow?” Yote asked, leaning on his shovel for a moment.

“If anyone can, it’s them,” Badger replied. “Besides, we’ve got enough food and drink to host whoever shows up. And if not, we’ll have a grand time ourselves.”

As the sun climbed higher, the duo paused for a break, sitting on the snow-covered porch with mugs of hot coffee. Yote pulled a small notepad from his coat pocket. “I’ve got a riddle to keep our brains warm while we rest,” he said with a mischievous glint.

Badger raised an eyebrow. “All right, let’s hear it.”

Yote showed him the note he had scribbled earlier. It read:

S-n-o-w

“What phrase does this represent?” Yote asked.

Badger sipped his coffee, his eyes narrowing in thought. The wind whispered through the pines, and a jay called from a nearby tree as he mulled over the puzzle.

🧠 The beauty of puzzles lies in their ability to bring moments of pause and contemplation, even amid busy times. As Badger and Yote dig out from the storm, the riddle reminds them—and us—of the joy in simplicity. Much like the snowstorm, life can be overwhelming, but breaking challenges down, whether they’re physical or mental, can make them manageable.

This puzzle, rooted in the season’s spirit, also reminds us of the songs and traditions that bind us during the holidays. "Dashing through the snow" isn’t just a lyric—it’s a reflection of the determination and energy we carry into the New Year, ready to face challenges head-on and celebrate the moments that truly matter.