I took a step outside, the cold, dry air hitting my face as if it were a blanket filled with rocks. I slipped my mittens on, the frigid temperature slightly draining from my fingers that were turning a dark color from the outside chill. I took a deep breath, the freezing air filling my lungs and coming out again. I looked at the stepping stones- they were coated with a beautiful layer of frost. My boots touched the soft, frozen stone, one after another, until they reached the powdery white snow. It almost looked like a thousand to a million packs of powdered sugar were dropped into my front yard. I clutched my linen backpack straps, and let the icy flakes of snow prod my face.