Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Had to post this...

Erie Times News editorial 11/25/08



An early winter? Bring it on!


With so much snow coming so early, we might as well get out and enjoy it. The Old Farmer's Almanac didn't see this coming. It predicted a "mostly mild November" for the lower region of the Great Lakes, from Milwaukee to Syracuse. But now that we've been blanketed with so much snow that we could set a record for November, we might as well enjoy it.

This is for the intrepid folks who build snowmen with "Hug Me" emblazoned across the midsection.

This is for the guy we saw riding his bike down Parade Street, when skies
turned brilliant blue in between snow squalls.

This is for the folks who treat their snowblowers like toys to share, by
clearing off sidewalks and driveways for their neighbors.

This is for the people who know how to wield a snow shovel to scrape a
navigable path for postal employees, delivery workers and school children.

This is for the schoolchildren, who earn a few bucks by shoveling snow,
too.

This is for the owners of Peek'n Peak Resort and Spa, who decided to open three days ahead of schedule after 51 inches of natural snow powdered the slopes.

This is for Peek'n Peak President Steven Lempke, who says the resort can
never have too much snow. He kept the snow-making machines working even as the lake-effect snow fell.

This is for the retailers who entice shoppers to buy a set of skis or a
pair of snowshoes as Christmas presents.

This is for the state and city employees and for the roadmasters who try to keep up with snow during blinding whiteouts.

This is for the tow-truck operators who rescue the drivers who get hung up in their driveways or stuck in the median strip.

This is for the kids who pester parents to take them sledding as soon as
the barren hills are coated white.

This is for the fun-loving parents who flap their arms to create snow
angels with their little ones.

This is for the grandmas and grandpas who warm up the kin with mugs of cocoa sprinkled with marshmallows.

This is for all of us fortunate enough to live on a lake that refreshes us
in summer and plays pranks on us in autumn, by cranking up a snow machine that requires no electricity but provides endless entertainment.


This is what I love about winter. It brings out the best in everybody! Except, of course, those of you who are sourpusses and decide to hate the snow and cold. ;-)

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Love it! Of course, I have to say this: Winter used to be my favorite season. I loved snow and bitter cold.

I don't like it anymore. Its too much of a hassle when you have 2 kids under 2. Coats and hats and car seats and strollers and binkies in the dirty slush... Its exhausting. I long for spring already.

Barb said...

Go winter! Snow rocks! (unless you're stuck in it in your car in 0 below temps) I love the whole warm up by the fire and drink hot cocoa scene.I knew there was a reason I loved my son-in-law.