As I am currently smack-dab in the middle of our third big snowfall this winter, I have limited my outdoor time to shaking the snow off of our young evergreens so the branches don't break. Indoors, I spend my time working (thank goodness I don't have to commute!), doing the laundry and spending time with the kids when they choose to come in from the cold to defrost.
Snow really throws our state off the track, with the federal government and schools closing and everyone running to the grocery store to "stock up". This is a concept I can't fully grasp. Every time the weatherman mentions the "S" word, hoards of people stampede to the grocery stores, clambering for milk, eggs, butter, bread, and bottled water. How long do they think we are going to be "trapped" indoors? Will they really run out of food if they can't get to the store for two or three days? Are their cupboards bare, fridges empty? I look at the food I have in my house on any given day and I think outside of immediate perishables, we could probably live for a month on what is already in the house. Sure, it might be pickles and baked beans for dinner, but we definitely wouldn't starve.
Cars take on a mind of their own in the snow as well. Drivers helplessly gawk out the windshield, eyes the size of dinner plates, as their cars start randomly running into ditches, poles, and even other cars. All previous driver's ed goes completely out the window as human instinct takes over and drivers just throw up their hands.
But, even though I don't enjoy the cold and snow as a general rule and dream of the day when I retire somewhere with the three good "S's" - sun, sand, and surf, I am still able to find some enjoyment in it all.
The first night of the snowfall is so quiet and peaceful - as if the blanket of snow is covering the sleeping city, bringing it to a hush. The next day, by contrast, is excitement - from the kids, of course. They bundle up and run outside, frolicking in the snow, sledding, building snowmen and having a blast. An hour later, they come in, change into dry clothes, and have some hot cocoa. After that, they bundle up and go back out again. When they come in an hour later, they change into more dry clothes, (yes, I have already said that) and my work begins trying to stay ahead of the laundry. After three changes of clothes, the snow scrooge in me finally declares there will be no more wardrobe changes. If you're in, you're in for good, if not, then sit by the fire and dry off!
There is something about the snowfall and school closings that I enjoy though and that is extra quality time with my family. We forget about bedtimes, we play games, watch movies and read to each other all day long. When we lost power in our recent snowstorm, the kids were "unplugged" and had to resort to non-electronic board games, card games and dice games. And, even though there was moaning at the first moment of the power outage, the children actually learned that they could still have fun without all the laptops, tv shows, and telephones. When we are snowed-in, we throw caution to the wind and make breakfast for dinner - a fun breakfast with chocolate chip pancakes topped with bananas, and your choice of syrup, whipped cream or both. It's a day when Brad and I can forget about the daily responsibilities of work and enjoy our family. It's a time when we move the coffee table out of the way and "camp out" in front of the fire in the family room and sleep on sleeping bags on the couch and floor as we watch a movie together.
Snow or no snow, try to make the most of any given situation. As the saying goes, "when life gives you lemons, make lemonade." Well, in this case "when life gives you snow, make hot cocoa".
