For my first eleven years, I lived in southern California. Pasadena, Altadena, Inyokern (Mojave Desert), back to Altadena, then to Glendora. We saw snow in the winter up on the mountains, and every now and then would drive high up to see the snow on the ground. Never saw it falling. Just sitting there on the road and ground.
Then, following my 11th birthday, we moved to Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Lived there six years before relocating again to Syracuse, New York.
Now, Pittsfield is in the Berkshire Mountains. Compared with California mountains, the Berkshires were hills. Nice hills, but still hills. The highest peak is Mt. Greylock at a mere 2800 feet. We had snow all throughout Massachusetts. It was a thrill walking home from the bus stop kicking at the small skiff of snow falling at the time. Later, the storm dumped 11 inches. We dressed in heavier coats and scarves, mittens, too. Then we Californians played in the snow experiencing first hand just how cold snow is on bare skin.
It took getting used to but we enjoyed the snowy seasons. We learned to appreciate them. Tried skating, skiing and sledding. Even tobogganing. And just looking at it. Peaceful. Quiet. Beautiful.
Syracuse was another world. The Berkshires probably average 35 to 40 inches of snow per winter. Syracuse gets about 135 inches per season. They call it the snowbelt for a reason! Buffalo gets upwards of 200 inches per season. So, we lived in Syracuse for six years and came to understand winter has standards of performance. And some misery!
In Chicagoland snow averages 34 inches per season or used to. I’ve lived in the region since 1965 and the 34 inches average was pretty much accurate. Some years were especially heavy (1966-67, 1978-79, 1979-80, and 1981). Since then, however, snow has been much more moderate. The 34-inch average has underperformed in recent years.
Today, 5 inches is forecast. It looks like we might get it. Cold temperatures are helping it stick to everything. Still, 5 inches is not a lot of snow. And this season we may actually see total snowfall amount to 10 or 12 inches. That’s pretty weak.
Yes. I am aching for a good winter snowstorm that bows us down a bit. Humbles us. Maybe even cause us to remain indoors while hearty crews dig us all out. Give pause so we can appreciate each other freshly!?
Oh well. I don’t have to commute anymore. I don’t even have to shovel snow or walk a dog in it. For me it is an indoor sport gazing out the window at a winter wonderland. Mother Nature is a grand old lady who must be obeyed from time to time. it’s good for us.
Instead of complaining about the weather, let’s appreciate it. And enjoy.
February 17, 2020
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