This snowy winter continues

Growing up, I can’t count how many times I truly saw snow. Because the number of times is so small.

No, in Texas, we would get ice. For maybe two days. Then its over. But as for snow? Its just so RARE. We would get excited to make a 9 inch tall snow man if we could gather enough flakes to do it. I remember in 7th grade my history teacher letting the class go outside to play in some random snow flurries.

Like I said, snow was rare. Ice was not. The house I grew up in had a ramp on the back deck. When it would ice over, and we’d get a snow day from school, my brother and I would bundle up, put on our cowboy boots and take turns sliding down the ramp. Who needed skis or ice skates when you’ve got a well iced deck ramp and cowboy boots. We’d slide until our fingers and toes were numb and our noses bright red. Then we’d come inside and have hot chocolate. For awhile we had a wood heater, and we’d roast marshmallows. A level of heaven I’ve not re-visited to date.

2008 - Oregon

As a result of growing up with ice in the winter, I’ve developed a solid fear of driving when there is any sort of frozen precipitation on the ground. I have no clue how to manage it, and as a result I will happily stay home for days at a time to keep myself and my vehicle in one piece. I know I can’t drive in it. I’m not even going to try!

Moving to Nashville introduced me to an area in which snow is not as unusual, but also an area where no one else can drive in it either.In the last three and a half years, I’ve seen more snow than I’d seen in my 26 years prior to moving. Between snow in Nashville, snow in Portland, OR Christmas 2008, snow in the Smoky Mountains, and snow in Dallas, TX just last month… I’m caught up in my snow quota, I think!

But, here I am in Central Texas with family, and we have a chance of snow tomorrow. Yes you heard me. SNOW.

On the news, they showed people stocking up at the grocery store as if they would be snowed in for days. I had to chuckle, as we’re expected to be in the 50s in a couple days. Snowed in, we will not be.

People in Nashville panic in the same manner. Regularly, bread shelves will be completely empty at the first chance of snow. And it forever baffles me! Whether I am in Texas or in Nashville, the chances of a snow storm leaving a person stranded at home for multiple days is slim. I don’t understand the panic that occurs in these areas at the thought of white flakes falling from the sky.

I don’t discount the dangers that can occur in heavy snowfall. Driving in dangerous conditions being only a portion of the worries. Loss of electricity and warmth is one of the biggest fears. Broken water pipes being another. I acknowledge these with respect.

However, this snow chance today in Central Texas just makes me shake my head. It was 70 only two days ago. It’ll be in the 50s in two more days. Panic has no need to set in here. Relax. Take your time should road conditions get bad. And don’t lose your head and logic.

I still have a lot of fear of driving on ice. I still prefer to stay home when winter weather sets in. However, I’ve seen enough snow lately to take it with a little grain of salt. Its still magical to see and experience to me. I still turn into a kid when it snows. I still respect it and the dangers it can bring. However, if you’ll respect it and not lose perspective, you should be able to enjoy it without fear.

Noon edit: Okay, so they were right. Its snowing quite hard and has been for a few hours. I’m amazed and baffled! Most snow since 1982!

My parent's dog playing in the snow.
My parent's dog playing in the snow.