Susan here. We’ve had a lot of snow, ice, and deep cold temps so far this winter—a more challenging winter than we usually get
here, and melting isn’t happening anytime soon. And now Punxsutawney Phil, the groundhog weather guru, poked his head out to predict at least six more weeks of winter.
So today I bring a little praise of snow before we all get heartily sick of it! (photo: our backyard!)
As a Northerner transplanted to the Mid-Atlantic, there’s never quite enough winter and snow for me, but even I’m almost over it—and I grew up in way-Upstate NY, where winters can be most wintry indeed. A good snowfall can provide great fun for kids, with plenty of snow days, but as an adult, I’ve learned to appreciate the peace of a deep snow that provides a cocoon from the world for a while (after hours of shoveling, that is!). That cocoon has been lovely this season (after shoveling, which has not been fun!).
Whether you’re in the northern hemisphere dealing with bitter cold, or if you’re in a more southern and warmer clime this time of year, let’s all take a snow day with some snowy art!
“When it snows, you have two choices: shovel snow or make snow angels.” –– Unknown
Kindness is like snow—it beautifies everything it covers. – Kahlil Gibran
Nature is full of genius, full of the divinity; so that not a snowflake escapes its fashioning hand.
– Henry David Thoreau
I used to be Snow White, but I drifted. – Mae West
Here a small boy says: “It snowed last year too; I made a snowman and my brother knocked it down
and I knocked my brother down and then we had tea.” – Dylan Thomas
Our snow was not only shaken from white wash buckets down the sky, it came shawling out of the ground and swam and drifted out of the arms and hands and bodies of the trees; snow grew overnight on the roofs of the houses like a pure and grandfather moss, minutely-ivied the walls and settled on the postman, opening the gate, like a dumb, numb thunder-storm of white, torn Christmas cards. – Dylan Thomas
Snow doesn’t give a soft white damn whom it touches. – e. e. cummings
How do you feel about snow, winter, or snow days?
Are you over it, or looking forward to one more snowfall, another snow day, and a little more hot cocoa before spring?
What fun. Susan!
Like Susan, I’m native of Upstate New York, and we both know, and like, snow! There are limits. of course, but getting snowed in with family, friends, and pets is quite fine. And shoveling snow is good for fitness!
We both grew up with snowy winters, so the milder, more southerly winters just don’t cut it! This winter is different, though – more than meets northern standards, lol. Despite the inconveniences, I’m liking the snowy white expanses around here this year (still perfectly snowy white because it’s solid frozen and just won’t melt!). Though have to say I’m over being snowed in with family and I’m ready to get out and about to see friends!
We don’t generally get much snow which is admittedly fine with me. While I certainly enjoy the look of it (and your pictures, Susan!), I’m happy to skip the shoveling and the threat of slipping on ice. That said, the forecast is actually mentioning snow in the coming week. We shall see!
As a Southern hemispherean, I’ve never seen more than a few flakes of snow*, so deep snowdrifts both fascinate & terrify me. I wouldn’t mind visiting ‘proper snow’ for a European Christmas, but I don’t think I could live there.
(*Mount Wellington, Tasmania, in spring)
The snow mess falling in NYC has clogged up delivery of packages through the post office, which I never remember happening here. Only Central Park looks beautiful every year during all seasons!
I am sorry to hear about your difficulties. Now that is interesting. I live about 40 min north kf of NYC and while we had a good amount of snow deliveries did nit seem to be a problem. Are you in one of the boroughs? I have read it js worse there than in Manhattan. .i have a friend who lives in Manhattan in the east 40’s.
Hioe things imorive fir you soon.
I’m here in Manhattan. USPS confirmed that carriers are not allowed to attempt delivery if there is a heavy buildup of snow and ice on sidewalks, steps, or porches, or if mailboxes are blocked.
The situation has been exacerbated by freezing temperatures that have prevented the snow from melting quickly, leading to what some have described as “garbage igloos” and lingering, hardened snow piles. Residents are being urged to clear paths to ensure mail delivery.
Sorry to hear about that. I asked my friend if she had any problems where she us in the east 40’s and it sounds like the only problem she’s had are crossing the street at the corners because of the snow build up.
Maybe midtown gets more traffic and so gets plowed better? Anyway….
hope things het better fir you soon.
I live in North Texas, and I was iced in for six days week before last. We knew it was coming, so I was prepared. We got a mix of sleet, freezing rain, and snow and ended up with a treacherous coating of ice over less than an inch of snow (where I live.) I had ice on my driveway for eight days in areas that are in the shade. However, I never lost power, and my pipes didn’t freeze.
No fun, but we do get storms like this in the winter. And we could get another any time until the middle of March. Although the later ones usually melt off quickly. I monitor the weather report and keep a stock of basic supplies in the winter, just in case. Yes, including toilet paper!
Wonderful pictures, Susan! I’m heartily sick of the north European wet winter this year and would love a bit of snow instead. It’s becoming increasingly rare here in the south of England.
What gorgeous pictures!!!
I live in southern Ireland. When I was growing up we nearly always had some snow during the Winter and we always found it great fun. We hadn’t had snow for years until about seven years ago we had a massive snow storm. I live in the countryside and it was three weeks before we could get the car out of our driveway and then the journey was hazardous. This Winter has been atrocious for rain! It’s been non stop for weeks now and as you can imagine it’s muck everywhere out here. I think I’d like a bit of snow now, it would break the monotony! It’s not just ordinary rain either, it’s downpours. It’s getting very depressing.
At least your pictures cheered me up Susan!
The snow pictures are beautiful, and so was the big snow we had a couple of weeks ago on the East Coast. However now it’s grimy, and hard as a rock, and I’ve had about enough of it!
What a fun post, Susan! I love the pictures you used and the quotes were very apt((love the Dylan Thomas one….timeless!)
I live in the suburbs north if New York City and thus is the first real winter we have gad since we got hit with 17 snowstorms in 1996. I love snow but not ice. Snow is pretty when ut blankets everything in white and silences all sound. Looks like a winter wonderland. Very nagucal.
Here north of Boston, right now, it’s snowing again – another 5 inches or so to add to the 20+ we’ve got now. But it’s come over several storms so there’s been time to clear streets between storms – so much so that driving isn’t dangerous except trying to see around corners, which is impossible with the plowed piles! Our town requires that businesses and homeowners clear the sidewalk in front of their property by 8am the morning after it stops snowing. We have a neighbor who treated himself to a very high-powered snow blower (a guy thing?), and after the last, largest storm, he cleared the sidewalk around our entire block! Fourteen homeowners got to stay inside and watch! My hero! Peanut butter cookies and shortbread were his reward, at least from me!
Owee, Consrance! 20 in of snow! We haven’t had that much since 1996! Hus is the first real winter we have had in the nirthern NYC suburbs since then.
Glad you have a neighbor who can plow you out! Very generous of him(abd I am sure he loves using it, too!).
That man would be my hero, too, Constance!
I am over winter. We moved to the Buffalo NY area when I was 7 years old. We (hubby & daughter) moved back to Johnstown PA where I am from. We saw lots of snow in Buffalo. They don’t call it a storm unless there is a foot of snow and you can’t see your hand in front of your face. Here in PA, this year it’s been the frigid temperatures, negative wind chills along with the snow that makes me say I am over winter. We are only about 1 1/2 hours from Punxsutawney and Phil. There’s been some talk down here about trying barbecue groundhog.