SNOW Day 2010

Here in eastern North Carolina we were most recently blessed with a blanket of snow and ice. This frosty mess has halted almost every aspect of our lives the past few days. It started snowing on Friday night and continued into Saturday. On Saturday the snow turned to sleet and continued on into the afternoon. That night we got another dusting of snow and clear skies...which made it even colder. It is now Monday and it was the first sign of melting. School has been canceled for 2 days just because the ice is a major factor and the municipalities and state just don't have the equipment to handle this kind of ice.

I grew up in Colorado where the school buses basically plowed the roads on their way to pick up all the kids. It was rural and not much around. Many roads were just dirt and never even got plowed (or maintained). But in Colorado the sun comes out and melts things fast and people are used to the icy weather. The road crews have the equipment to deal with it and you learn how to drive in it as soon as you get your license. I delivered pizzas in college and had my little car high centered in the deep snow more than once!

Many transplanted folks around here just don't seem to understand this concept. Every region has its own little 'quirks' and they should be proud of them. What holds as normal in New Mexico has probably never been heard of in Minnesota! The fact that most homes in Florida have only tile floors seems crazy to someone from a colder climate where that carpeted floor is cozy on your toes. The New Yorkers don't understand having to drive to get to the store, school, theater or grandma's house and those from Colorado can't imagine having anything like that so close and convenient!

I love it here in North Carolina! It seems like a wonderful compromise of many regions. It is becoming a popular relocation state because it does have a lot to offer. I am loving the 4 seasons we get here especially the 'short' winters. I love the fact that they panic at the thought of 2 inches of snow. I'll trade that for the 6 month winter in Colorado anyday!

I have not experienced an ice storm here yet and really could wait for that one. The only ice in this last storm is what got left on the ground. I like the power lines right where they are. But whatever the weather holds for us....we have a generator, water and supplies.....Bring it on.....and hurry up summer!