WELL, THE FIRST SERIOUS SNOWFALL HAPPENED TODAY. In Michigan it means the onset of winter. On the calendar it’s supposed to begin December 20th, but not up north! Here it arrives the end of October and I must say, I’ve come to dread it as I grow older. I don’t know what’s happened to me. I didn’t used to feel that way. In fact, as a youngster I looked forward to winter. I couldn’t wait for it to snow. I have mostly pleasant memories associated with this time of year. After all, I grew up in the Finger Lakes region of New York State, only about 15 miles from Lake Ontario. We had tons of snow every year.
Martin’s Hill was a favorite hangout. We would take our toboggans there and spend the entire afternoon. I also have fond memories of sliding down hill on McDermott Street and ice skating on Wide Waters. And then there was the attempt at skiing on a very small incline in my neighborhood. Perhaps best of all was the construction of snowmen and snow forts. And to top it all off, there were the snowball fights. Just thinking about those days makes me smile, until I hear the engine of the snowplow reminding me of work ahead.
I longed for the snow to fall back then, because first and foremost it meant that school was cancelled. Yea! But now the sight of it makes me shudder. Why? What happened? Is it all about growing up? No, I don’t think so. I know lots of folks that still participate in these activities. I think they’re a bit deranged, or maybe they’re in their second childhood. But then that’s just my opinion.
As I see it, snow is part of our fallen world. It means the absence of color, and the onset of frostbite, accidents on the highways, walkways, and runways, cancellation of important events, and that ever-dreaded shoveling! Our weather lady on TV has an evil smirk on her face—no, make that a broad grin, when giving a forecast that predicts snow. She acts as though she actually likes the stuff!
I must admit however, that on certain days there is a bit of beauty in it as it lies on branches, sparkling in the sun. Oops, I just remembered, the sun doesn’t shine up here in the Gray Lakes from November through March. Given the choice and the means, I would spend the winter months on the beach!
Come on, be honest now. Have you not felt just a little peeved when after shoveling the whole driveway, the snowplow came along and filled in the end with about 4 feet of snow? Or what about the time it snowed so hard that within 10 minutes after clearing the driveway, it was filled in again. I hate snow! All snowflakes have six sides to them. Did you know that? That’s why they hurt so much when they cut into your face! Remember the time you were snow-blowing your walkway, shooting it out in front of you when suddenly, without warning, the wind shifted and it came smashing into your face? Now I ask you, is this fun? I hate snow. In fact, I detest it so much that I wrote a little poem about it. Enjoy (unless you like that white terror).
Sliding through the snow in my brand new Chevrolet,
O’er the roads we go, screaming all the way
Sirens can be heard, many times a day
How many times I’ve often wished
I was riding in a sleigh.
Lake effect snow, lake effect snow
Lake effect snow again,
Oh what fun it isn’t to shovel
The driveway once again
Martin’s Hill was a favorite hangout. We would take our toboggans there and spend the entire afternoon. I also have fond memories of sliding down hill on McDermott Street and ice skating on Wide Waters. And then there was the attempt at skiing on a very small incline in my neighborhood. Perhaps best of all was the construction of snowmen and snow forts. And to top it all off, there were the snowball fights. Just thinking about those days makes me smile, until I hear the engine of the snowplow reminding me of work ahead.
I longed for the snow to fall back then, because first and foremost it meant that school was cancelled. Yea! But now the sight of it makes me shudder. Why? What happened? Is it all about growing up? No, I don’t think so. I know lots of folks that still participate in these activities. I think they’re a bit deranged, or maybe they’re in their second childhood. But then that’s just my opinion.
As I see it, snow is part of our fallen world. It means the absence of color, and the onset of frostbite, accidents on the highways, walkways, and runways, cancellation of important events, and that ever-dreaded shoveling! Our weather lady on TV has an evil smirk on her face—no, make that a broad grin, when giving a forecast that predicts snow. She acts as though she actually likes the stuff!
I must admit however, that on certain days there is a bit of beauty in it as it lies on branches, sparkling in the sun. Oops, I just remembered, the sun doesn’t shine up here in the Gray Lakes from November through March. Given the choice and the means, I would spend the winter months on the beach!
Come on, be honest now. Have you not felt just a little peeved when after shoveling the whole driveway, the snowplow came along and filled in the end with about 4 feet of snow? Or what about the time it snowed so hard that within 10 minutes after clearing the driveway, it was filled in again. I hate snow! All snowflakes have six sides to them. Did you know that? That’s why they hurt so much when they cut into your face! Remember the time you were snow-blowing your walkway, shooting it out in front of you when suddenly, without warning, the wind shifted and it came smashing into your face? Now I ask you, is this fun? I hate snow. In fact, I detest it so much that I wrote a little poem about it. Enjoy (unless you like that white terror).
Sliding through the snow in my brand new Chevrolet,
O’er the roads we go, screaming all the way
Sirens can be heard, many times a day
How many times I’ve often wished
I was riding in a sleigh.
Lake effect snow, lake effect snow
Lake effect snow again,
Oh what fun it isn’t to shovel
The driveway once again
posted by kazookid | 8:32 AM
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