Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Some Random Thoughts on Snow

Written in uncharacteristic first person (because that was what we were in the mood to do) and dedicated to the victims of the 2010 East Coast Snowpocalypse.

One of my very earliest memories is of going out to play in the snow on a paternally-lead snowman building expedition. We determined, using the tried and true “will a handful stick to the side of the Chevy Nova?” method, that the snow was too dry to build a proper snowman. We then proceeded to kill just enough time to be sure that Mom would have the hot chocolate ready, then retreated indoors. To this day, I still feel that 15 – 20 minutes is the optimal amount of time to spend in snow. After that, cocoa becomes a necessity.

I have a somewhat later memory of seeing my new Georgia-based doctor become extremely excited over seeing a snow flurry outside his office window. I remember thinking he was terribly provincial. I was nearly three. I stand by that assertion.

I have shoveled snow. I did not enjoy it. I no longer have grandparents, therefore I no longer have to shovel snow. Life is like that.

Many people think they can drive in snow. A few actually can. No one, however, drives well.

“Chains required ahead” but no exits behind. Some days getting home from Las Vegas is the real gamble. 

I currently have a pact with snow. If it promises to stay neatly tucked away in the mountains, I promise to visit it at least once a year. So far, this has worked out reasonably well for all concerned.

Skiing is not the hard part. The graceful cessation of skiing is.

Snowboarding is a cruel joke. Don't fall for it.

When hiking in the snow, steel-toed boots are not an asset. On a related note, March in South Dakota is not springtime.

I have been snowed on while on a motorcycle. Several times.

Snow is beautiful. Melting snow in the mountains is glorious.

Spring will come. Regardless.




Today's exercise: None. Consider it a snow day

Next: A meditation for the new calendar year.

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