When the snow falls, down there
Do you remember the terrible storm we had? Actually, no. Once you’ve cleaned up the mess, life goes on. We do try to name the memorable ones, but (like faces from my Grade one class), little memory subsists after a short period of time.
Well, then, how about the number of people that were affected? Easy win for the other team, there. As bad as last winter might have been (and there are photos out there), the number that came into contact with the piles and piles of snow never surpassed a million. Contrast that with what is falling, right now, in the centre of the universe (AKA New York and Washington). Although the drifts aren’t done, the press tells us that over 80 million are trying to deal with things. No public transit. Stores devoid of foodstuffs (and that probably includes storm chips). A distinct lack of snow shovels at the homeowner level. When your winter comes down to their usual cold rainy period, a metre or more of snow will have children changing their folk art memes for weeks to come. And let’s not consider the sudden upswing in population, next year.
But, that’s the price we pay for not living in a land of palm trees and periodic cyclones. Or is it hurricanes? Unsure about that part. By this time, next month, they’ll be bragging about crocus sightings and baseball camps. We, in stark contrast, will be half-way through the long slog toward summer. In snowshoes, more than likely. With a shovel in each hand. That’s the price we pay.
