On Snow

Snow has been on my mind a lot lately.  With 3 or 4 storms in just a couple of weeks, that is no wonder.  

In November, people start thinking about the winter to come.  Kids think of snow days with excitement.  Adults--not so much.  No matter what, that first snowfall is pure magic.  Especially when waking up in the morning to a pure white world where sound is muted; the falling snow sparkling in the light of the new day.  The air smells fresh; a new day--a new start.  Sleds come out of the basement or garage and even a few adults are brave enough to swoosh down the sledding hills, reliving the times they had as children.  Tomorrow they will probably feel the pull of seldom used muscles, but for the day, they get to be kids again.  Tongues flick out to catch big fluffy flakes that really should taste like cotton candy, yet even though they have no taste at all, they somehow taste of winter and childhood and Christmas.

After that first snow, school kids thoughts turn to snow days where school is cancelled and the day spreads out before them with nothing to do but build snow forts and snowmen, slide and throw snowballs.  Even some teachers look forward to a snow day every now and then so they can just stay home to catch up with lesson plans, marking the latest bunch of tests and eat a hearty stew, soup, chili or some other food that tastes best on a snowy day.

As snow banks grow, old-timers are heard discussing how long it has been since the last snows like this.  After some discussion their minds go further back to their own childhoods.  These newfangled sleds have nothing on the sleds of their memories; ones that sported wooden or even iron runners, that flew faster down larger hills than today's kids could ever imagine.  "In my day..." should be considered the same as "Pay attention..."  because as sure as those words are said, a story is about to unwind; worth listening to as it is a part of our history that may not be around for many more snows.

An afternoon of shoveling walks, steps and decks often has adults dreaming of warmer days and sunshine.  Yet the snow is also a good excuse to grab a good book, a cup of hot tea or coffee and curl up for a few hours; secure in the knowledge that the storm will keep visitors at bay.  Once in awhile the rumble of a plow truck may pull ones attention from their book but they will quickly immerse themselves back into the book; until the kids come in dragging piles of snow to be mopped up.  Snowsuits, soggy mittens and frozen boots are hung up to thaw and dry.  After warming up and having supper, it isn't long before the children are yawning after their exertion outside.  Time to head to bed and wake up to see what delights may be brought on in the snow tomorrow.