unplowed snowy roads, my mind drifted back many years to my
hometown and the heavy snow storms we used to get. I haven't
seen snow storms and depths of snow like we had as a child in
years. Probably the worst storm I can recall was back in the
1980's. Yet driving down Main Street at 7:00 a.m. in the heavy
snowfall and unplowed roads it seemed almost as bad.
The years 1948-49 and 1951-52 were winters we were pounded
with snow so frequent and heavy that the plows couldn't keep up.
The snowbanks were so high we couldn't see the road from the
house and the road itself was barely wide enough for one car.
(Note the "trail" leading from the road, up the snowbank and
to the front door)
Shoveling was quite a feat as one tried to decide just where to pile
the snow. Many times the snow had to be hauled away and
dumped. However, it made for great snow time fun!
The pile of snow from the roof of our home made for a great
slide. Boots, my Border Collie, loved sitting on top of the snow
and would even run up and down the roof much to my parents
dismay.
The field between our home and my grandparents home soon
became the favorite spot for kids in the neighborhood as we
stomped out a circle to play "Fox and Geese". I even loved
donning by father's snowshoes and walking over the top of the
fence posts and around the field.
Walking on top of the snowbanks to school felt like you were
walking on top of the world unless you sank up to your
hips in the snow. It was one way to see what was going on
around you as sometimes the snow was so deep we couldn't
see out to the road and barely out the windows because the
icicles were so long and thick. Often Jack Frost painted
delicate frosted scenes on the windows that lasted for days
especially in the utility room and my bedroom upstairs.
Such a difference in the storm today. The roads, though not
plowed, are certainly wide enough for two cars to pass and
there are barely any snowbanks.
The house is easily accessible and the driveway is somewhat
cleared.
The homes and yards surrounding us are a beautiful snowy
site, especially the pines as the snow lays upon the
branches.
The temperatures are probably a little warmer now than then.
It is a balmy 23 degrees F. Many times growing up we were in
the single digits or below zero for the high's. Buckets filled
with coal and kindling kept the old coal stove pumping out the
heat as well as a small oil heater in the front room. No central
heating like today.
As I look out my family room window the snow is starting to fall
once again. The break only lasted a short time. But now that I
don't have to go out in it the rest of the day, I can say it is
"Beautiful"! And, it can snow all it wants--that is until work
calls me again in the morning.
