When I was growing up in Freeport, it would begin snowing mid-November and the ground would be covered with snow until March. That timing is fixed in my memory because my mom would always say that the first snow would have to wait until after my birthday, November 14, and be gone by hers, March 4. So we would have a nice, long fall and an early spring.
I remember that it stayed cold enough so that each snowfall would add a new layer to keep the landscape white and pretty. My brothers would build a snow fort that lasted all winter and we could go sledding and ice skating any time.
As I get older, I have become less and less a fan of winter, but I do appreciate a snow day now and then.
Living in the Midwest, I do want to enjoy all of the seasons. It is so beautiful when everyone is safely home and the snow is gently falling. A fire glowing in the fireplace and a pot of soup simmering on the stove (or apple cider, ready for a splash of Jim Beam) add to the experience.
There are some things that we can do that just might bring on the snow. The pilgrims would sleep with a spoon under their pillows. Wearing pajamas inside out and backward is supposed to make it snow. Singing snow songs and running around the table five times might bring the flurries.
And if there are snow gods, to bring attention to their neglect of their duties fl ush ice cubes down the toilet and go outside and throw ice cubes in the trees and bushes to get them to realize that it’s cold and we want some snow.
I wish you a beautiful, safe winter.
