Monday, February 15, 2010

Oh the weather outside is frightful!

Oh! the snow, the beautiful snow, Filling the sky and earth below, Over the housetops, over the street, Over the heads of the people you meet. Dancing, Flirting, Skimming along.



J.W. (Joseph Warren) Watson

Today we had our fourth or fifth snow "storm" of the winter... I've lost count.  Usually our city can count on one really good snowfall if we're lucky and by that I mean maybe two inches.  Today's snowfall wasn't much in the way of accumulation but it sure was pretty to watch.  I opened the blinds and watched in amazement as the snowfall got heavier and then dwindled down to flurries only to turn blizzardlike again minutes later. 

What is is about snow that makes us so giddy? *Disclaimer* I speak from the perspective of a Southerner.  I'm well aware that my friends in the North are way over the snow come December! 

I got to thinking today - what is it that makes snow such a beautiful occurrance?  What is it about snow that makes us bundle up our children and send them out to play even as its still falling?   Would you send your kid out in the pouring rain??  I know I certainly wouldn't but I don't hesitate to toss them out in the backyard in a blizzard so they can throw snowballs at the fence or attempt to build some sort of snow creature (during the last snowfall my little one tried to make a snow bear and was devastated when he fell over as she tried to put his eyes on).  

Snow is so... white.  So pure.  It makes the whole world (or at least the neighborhood) look clean and new.  It falls so silently even when it is falling furiously.  Every snowflake is unique and if you look closely enough you can see the truth in that on your glove or on the hood of the car.  Raindrops can't claim that uniqueness.  Rain is wet and yucky and sloppy.  Snow is magical. 

I have some friends who are already tired of those frozen crystals but I say "Let it Snow"!  Bring it on Mother Nature, bring it on!