We thought we’d timed it well, spending almost three weeks in Costa Rica to miss winter’s ugly exit. But the weather gods proved us wrong. We arrived home to dry streets and walkways, accumulations of snow only in the shadows. Then winter returned. The sharp contrast initially left me irritated, bracing myself to face strong winds laced with icy snow, a crusty glaze accumulating on my running path. This morning, however, awaking to a winter wonderland with sunshine glinting off at least six inches of pristine fresh snow outside my door, my attitude did a 180!

Abandoning my plans to avoid the outdoors and head to the Y to swim laps, I quickly donned jacket and boots and went out to enjoy this gift – regardless of the date on the calendar. It started out as a walk, going up 7 Bridges Road following snow covered tire tracks. The trees were flocked with snow and it muffled all the surrounding sounds. Breathing in the cool air, my senses heightened, I couldn’t help but relax into the scene.

When it became apparent there was a lot more snow than I realized, I returned home to do what I should have done in the first place – don snowshoes. One of my favorite things to do is plod down the mountain bike trails while they are still pristine, before they groom them. And this was my chance. Crossing over Amity Creek, I headed into the woods.

The narrow trail with trees in close proximity was a far more intimate experience. It reminded me of all the best things about winter. About what it feels like to lose track of time and just put one foot in front of the other. To live in the moment. To appreciate the snow.

I know it’s a fleeting moment. April snow soon turns to slush and we’ll be back to mud season. Which is why it’s so important to embrace it when it happens.

In contrast, our time in Costa Rica was marked by consistently clear and sunny skies, temps ranging from the 70s to mid-90s every day. We relished our time in Las Catalinas, a beautiful pedestrian village on the Pacific coast built around a pristine beach and surrounded by hills cross-crossed by mountain bike trails. Early mornings were best for being active. For Rich that meant birding, and a bounty of beautiful tropical species for him to photograph. For me it was hiking the trails, kayaking and swimming laps in the outdoor pool.

In the intense afternoon heat, Rich retreated to the air conditioned house to process his photos. I often took a book to the beach to read in the shade and run into the waves to cool off.

Evenings were delightful. The soft air kissed my skin as we watched the sunset, ate at beach-front restaurants or had dinner out on the balcony overlooking the ocean. Reading outside in that soft warmth always completed my day.

But the highlight of our stay was sharing that paradise with our daughter Karen, her husband, Matt and their four children. Ranging from age eight to 15, there was something for everyone, and they were game to try it all! We took them on a boat trip with a guide on a river in a nature preserve. They loved seeing crocodiles, monkeys and birds up close!

Karen and Ben rode the mountain bike trails. And the bravest of them went ziplining through the treetops.

But most of all, they enjoyed just hanging around – boogie board and playing at the beach, cooling off in the pools, eating ice cream on a hot afternoon, paddleboarding, reading, chasing the water spouts on the splash pad, playing cards, watching sunsets and just being silly. And I loved every minute with them!

The best things in life are those we share with others. Precious moments. Fond memories. Strengthening bonds. And love.