May your holidays be bright, and snow-filled... if you're lucky! (Michiganders talking here). As I type these words, the snow is blowing in, wreaking havoc on mostly unprepared Hoosiers. We giggle at the sudden closure of schools and businesses in the anticipation of 5-6 inches of snow. What do they know??? Growing up in Grand Rapids, MI, schools and businesses only closed after an all-out ice storm! And driving, forget about it!! Best thing I ever learned was how to drive and brake in the snow. That and being able to adeptly drive a stick shift are things I am very proud of. Lord knows, some of us out on these roads should know how to drive in this stuff.
I admit, snow has its downfalls, but as unforgiving and inconvienient as it can be, it's also beautiful in its ability to quiet the roar of car engines, barking dogs, and inconsiderate neighbors. It blankets the bruised and shorn grass and makes the struggling, tiny trees of our neighborhood look like Charlie Brown's Peanuts-gang-decorated Christmas tree. Very pretty indeed. Speaking of Christmas, I think as far away as we have lived from guaranteed December snow, from here to Charlotte, NC, and how often we have rejoiced in escaping bone-chilling and eternally cloudy weather, I think there is always going to be a part of our family that misses a good snowstorm going into the holidays. It just doesn't seem right without it. So, again, to those we may not send cards and pictures to, Happy Holidays where ever you are! And be safe!!!
