Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it STOP An Unexpected Snowstorm Becomes a Winter
Adventure
By: John Shepler
Snow, snow, glorious snow,
Everything covered in virgin white.
Power up the blades and watch it blow.
It's
the new year and we're snowed in. Outside the north winds are
howling and snowflakes are dashing in all directions. It's the
biggest snowstorm to forge up the Mississippi Valley in 20 years,
a white hurricane from the sound of it. In Chicago, they measure
22 inches at O'Hare airport when the last of the flakes has settled.
That's a record. My driveway has disappeared under a blanket
of just under a foot on average. I say average, because in some
places you can see the asphalt and others are deep enough to
intimidate even a large two stage snowthrower. Well, it's time
to make another run at it.
The dormant earth is somewhere below.
Up here we're bathed in brilliant light.
Snow, snow, glorious snow.
Saturday was cocooning day. We knew the storm was coming.
You could see it massing on the satellite photos. Sometimes I
think they overdramatize the weather forecasts just to make sure
you pay attention, but this one was exactly as predicted. Down
it came in fine little sparkling crystals. More and more and
more, until decks and patios disappeared and country roads became
treacherous, then impassable. I bundled up like one of those
scientists living at the South Pole and ventured out for the
first clearing of the driveway. Inside, Barbara has smothered
steak brewing in the crockpot. I can't wait to get back in for
another whiff of that aroma and a chance to play Scrabble and
catch some good movies. Prophetically, we've just signed up for
all the pay channels on cable.
Peek out the window, enjoy the show,
Glistening crystals in a world so bright.
Power up the blades and watch it blow.
What's
the best thing to do when you're about to be trapped in your
house by the forces of nature? Stay there! If cabin fever strikes...fight
it. Put some logs in the fireplace (great atmosphere and really
valuable if you lose power), light some candles, turn on the
TV or the computer and get out the board games and playing cards.
Incredibly, the next day often breaks with sunshine and blue
skies. The plows have cleared your street, visibility is unlimited
and stores and restaurants have reopened. The impassable snowstorm
has been replaced by a glimmering white environment that beckons
you to grab the sunglasses and venture out. On Sunday morning,
I bundle up again and head out for the second clearing of the
driveway.
Neighborhood theater, staged in the cold,
We're reveling in our plight.
Snow, snow, glorious snow.
The best neighborhood camaraderie is often right after a major
storm. You have a common cause. Everyone is out clearing sidewalks
and driveways, brushing snow off cars. Kids and dogs take to
the yards and streets. If it's not bitter cold, then it's high
time for snowmen, snow angels, snow forts and snowball fights.
You can build a castle or an igloo. Carve ice sculptures. Put
on your snowshoes or cross country skis and take to the forest
preserves. Nature is often at her most beautiful in a new winter
coat.
Ice sculpted trees, all in a row,
Clearing the driveway becomes a delight.
Power up the blades and watch it blow.
Snowstorms are only fun when you're prepared and have safe
haven for the duration. This year's record breaking New Year's
storm will be especially memorable because it did strike on the
holiday travel weekend, closing airports and highways, stranding
many. It also caught us out of practice, with hardly a flake's
worth of snow experience this season. We'll do better next time...although
I'm sure we can be very patient in waiting for the next storm.
Whiteout of the mind is something we know,
When the specter is at its height.
Snow, snow, glorious snow,
Power up the blades and watch it blow.
Robert Frost found a sense of magic in a woodland winter snowfall
in his poem "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening."
I hope I've been able to capture a bit of our modern city experience
with my own "Glorious Snow!" Please have a safe and
enjoyable winter season.
Note: Glorious Snow! poem by John Shepler
Books of Interest:
Storm of the Century by Stephen King. If you think
winter's bad where you are, read what happens to the people on
Little Tall Island. Just as the worst Nor'easter in memory bears
down on the island, an even greater evil in the form of Andre
Linoge takes his first victim, an elderly resident. "Give
me what I want and I'll go away," he calmly proclaims as
the killings continue. But what is it he wants, and when will
he bargain in good faith? As the townspeople group to form a
strategy, the electric generator for the island begins to sputt........
Also visit these related
sites:
Glorious Snow! - Gifts featuring the Glorious Snow! poem found in this article. Perfect for celebrating or reminiscing the lighter side of winter.
Make Your Own Animated Snowstorm - This interactive online game lets you make it snow regardless of what is really going on outside. Adjust the intensity of the storm from dusting to blizzard.
How to Make a Snowflake - Anybody can chop up a piece a paper and pretend it's art. But, if you really want it done just so, you need these instructions from Martha Stewart herself.
It's
the new year and we're snowed in. Outside the north winds are
howling and snowflakes are dashing in all directions. It's the
biggest snowstorm to forge up the Mississippi Valley in 20 years,
a white hurricane from the sound of it. In Chicago, they measure
22 inches at O'Hare airport when the last of the flakes has settled.
That's a record. My driveway has disappeared under a blanket
of just under a foot on average. I say average, because in some
places you can see the asphalt and others are deep enough to
intimidate even a large two stage snowthrower. Well, it's time
to make another run at it.
What's
the best thing to do when you're about to be trapped in your
house by the forces of nature? Stay there! If cabin fever strikes...fight
it. Put some logs in the fireplace (great atmosphere and really
valuable if you lose power), light some candles, turn on the
TV or the computer and get out the board games and playing cards.
Incredibly, the next day often breaks with sunshine and blue
skies. The plows have cleared your street, visibility is unlimited
and stores and restaurants have reopened. The impassable snowstorm
has been replaced by a glimmering white environment that beckons
you to grab the sunglasses and venture out. On Sunday morning,
I bundle up again and head out for the second clearing of the
driveway.