It started two days ago as snow began falling in the early morning hours. Radio reports said to expect a foot or more. Weather forecasters are usually less than one hundred percent accurate, but they were deadly precise in this case. By evening our snow gauge measured a good twelve inches. Since then, it’s measured a matching twelve. And it’s still snowing.
This is the first major snow accumulation in several years around here, and I’m not sure residents are ready for it. What with reports of global warming, our winters have become considerably milder; and our expectations have become milder too. For instance, last year’s snowplow bill was a mere sixty dollars, which represents three passes of our lengthy circular drive and the clearing in front of our three car garage. This year’s bill has already topped that, and Plowman George will be here again in the morning.
Another case in point: Earl has a coat he used to wear when winter struck. It made him look like the Michelin Tire guy, but it kept him warm. I haven’t seen it in recent years, although I’m willing to bet its appearance is around the next snowy corner. Schools have been closed these two days, and the prognosis for tomorrow is not good if you’re a parent. It’s wonderful for students, however, as they’ll probably be making snowmen and snow angels at least one more day.
I rather like the snow. It reminds me of childhood memories and how we simply bundled up and dealt with it. I don’t remember ever having a snow day, even though I lived in Syracuse, New York for part of my youth (which is pretty far north), in St. Louis, Missouri; and in Little Rock, Arkansas. Of course, Little Rock didn’t get a lot of snow; but even when it did, life went on.
Maybe people are more practical today, or maybe they’re made of different stuff. I only know that the peace and quiet that has arrived with the snow seems almost novel in its rarity. Stuck inside, I plan to read by the fire, catch up on various projects, sleep a little more, and wait until the thaw.
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