Words for winter

Winter — official winter — doesn't arrive until deep into December, but a winter mindset has taken hold now that snow has flown and temperatures have forced more layers. Everybody's favorite naturalist-philosopher Henry David Thoreau was warmed by "the glow of thought and feeling." Such an optimist. Here are some more words on the Northland's season of love and loathing:

Henry David Thoreau

From "The Thoughts of Thoreau"

"Is not January the hardest month to get through? When you have weathered that, you get into the gulfstream of winter, nearer the shores of spring."

Ann Bancroft

Minnesota explorer

"Ice forever fascinates me from so many fronts, and our affinity for it is just part of who we are in this cold land."

From "Travels with Charley"

"What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness."

Toni Morrison

From "Beloved"

"Outside, snow solidified itself into graceful forms. The peace of winter stars seemed permanent."

St. Paul mayor

"What's the alternative? We have six months of winter, so you either embrace and enjoy it, or sit inside, miserable."

Carl Reiner

Comedian and writer

"A lot of people like snow. I find it to be an unnecessary freezing of water."

Sources: Star Tribune, goodreads.com