One of the things I find magical about life in New England is the often dramatic passage of seasons. Winter, in particular, bears a certain aura of respect and awe.
Some choose to marvel at the beauty of a brisk snowfall through a window, peering out at the flakes from the confines of a warm room. Other hearty souls give themselves to the season whole-heartedly, rushing outdoors at a moment's notice to ski, snowshoe or hike. To each family, a different way of marking this chilly time of year.
For all our differences, however, there is a near universal pattern in the evolution of a New Englander's attitude throughout the winter months:
- Late Nov / Early Dec: "Honey, look... it's snowing... isn't it beautiful? This is really starting to get me into the Christmas mood."
- Mid-Dec: "Well, looks like we're going to have a 'White Christmas' after all. The kids are going to have a blast."
- Late Dec: "Wow. This sure is starting to pile-up. This is the kind of winters I remember when I was a kid."
- Early Jan: "Crap! The ice dams are back again. Honey, I need to go on the roof. Yes, I know it's icy out but what do you want me to do?!?!"
- Mid-Jan: "The kids are having ANOTHER snow day? They're going to be in class until July!"
- Late Jan: "I swear, as God is my witness, if that plow guy pushes snow into my driveway ONE MORE TIME today I'm going to kill him."
- Early Feb: "I don't care if people can't get to the front door. The driveway is mostly clear. We can get in and out through the garage... that's all that matters."
- Mid-Feb: "Look at this. All of the snow by the street is filthy. So depressing. Yes, I know the Christmas lights are still on the house... enough already!"
- Late-Feb: "The news said 'flurries'... FLURRIES!!! This isn't 'flurries'... you don't have to shovel 'flurries!'"
- Early March: "Finally... we're starting to get some of that snow to melt. Another couple of days like today and we'll be able to see the lawn again."
- Mid-March: "This was a rough winter, huh? Not '78 rough, but still pretty bad."
- Late March: "The news said WHAT? Chance of snow? Are you kidding me?"
- Early April: "Jeez... it's starting to get muggy, huh? Bet it's going to be a warm summer."
And so it goes. If you were born and raised in New England or have lived here through a minimum of 8-10 winters, you have earned a God-given right to complain. Use it. Enjoy it. Embrace it.
The only thing I would add is late-March/early April melting that leads to flooding. We have been spared - so far - and I am knocking on wood.
Posted by: Ellen Rossano | February 27, 2011 at 12:56 PM
I've complained a LOT this winter! I've heard from so many people who used to like winter now hate it.
Posted by: Barefoot Liz | February 27, 2011 at 10:22 AM
Fantastic! You are such a gifted writer, it looks effortless. I appreciate you making me step up my game. As a snow lover, this post brings a smile to my heart. We're almost there, I can smell Spring. Keep writing - your blog is a joy to read.
Posted by: Felicia Fett | February 13, 2011 at 02:43 PM
Born and raised in Maine... plenty of God-given rights!! LOL Great write up
Posted by: Carol L. Spellman | February 13, 2011 at 02:37 PM