Photo courtesy of www.123rf.com
The high temperature here yesterday was 60o F – a bit above normal for January, but not unheard of. Today, I am sitting at home due to an unexpected day off work. Why the day off? It might snow. Yes you read that right, it *might* snow. I decided to take advantage of this free time to blog about the phenomenon of Southerners and snow.
I’m sure that those of you in the rest of the country – heck, the rest of the world – shake your head in bemusement at the news footage of Southerners descending on grocery stores like a plague of locusts at the mere mention of snow. You aren’t alone; we find it amusing as well. However, there is a reason for our panic.
It’s not that Southerners are afraid of snow – we aren’t. Most of us actually like it; the fact that we see it so infrequently just enhances our enjoyment. The fact is that no matter how much we enjoy the snow, we aren’t prepared for it. We don’t have the equipment to clear the roads or spread salt or sand in the areas prone to icing. This is a big deal since we rarely get *just* snow; our snow usually comes with a healthy dose of sleet mixed in resulting in icy roads. We also don’t know how to drive in icy conditions; schools and businesses close so that we will stay home. It’s safer for everyone that way.
But, our driving isn’t the only thing impacted by the icy conditions. Our normally docile trees become violent, attacking homes and cars with abandon. While hardwood trees such as oaks may lose a few limbs, this area of the country has a predominance of pine trees. Pines are tall and lanky with a shallow root system; when coated with ice, some simply break, others uproot completely. After an ice storm, our neighborhoods frequently look like a tornado went through them.
Nevertheless, this is the first time that I recall my place of employment shutting down before the snow even starts. Usually the powers that be wait until the snow is accumulating and cars are sliding into ditches before deciding to release us. I’m not complaining – any day off without being expected to take leave is a good day.
I went to the store yesterday afternoon (along with everyone else in the county) so my home is fully stocked with milk, bread, batteries and toilet paper – all of the items that sell out prior to significant winter events. So, how will I spend my free time? I will be writing, playing video games, and occasionally pressing my nose to the window and watching for snowflakes. Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!
Being Greek, I know exactly where you’re coming from (literally). At the mention of possibility of snow here, schools usually close and everybody thinks of how they’ll manage to stay home. In the past, it used to snow more; the past five years, it snowed once or twice in Athens–a real bummer for the kids. Anyway, hope you see those beautiful snowflakes coming down and enjoy your day in!
Thanks MM! No snow yet, but according to the radar, it’s getting closer. I’m as excited as any kid!