Snow snow everywhere...

Have you noticed yet that snow isn't as much fun as a grown-up? I know I have covered some of my exploits as a child in the snow before with the shovel and here with the forts. But I can look back to when:

• I thought it was fun to be the one to scrape the snow off the car in the morning
• As long as the snow wasn't yellow I didn't care how clean it was to eat
• We used to pluck icicles off the eaves spout and sword fight.
• I didn't care if my feet got wet in my boots or that my gloves could be wrung out for an entire glass of water.
• Bad weather meant playing in the snow not driving along trying to remember if the car insurance bill has been paid this month
• I didn't worry about milk in the fridge or food in the cupboard as long as we had hot chocolate when I came inside

One of the thrills I get working with children is seeing them explore snow. I recently met a child who was afraid to step into the snow as an almost 3 year old. Odd I thought until I remembered that he had lived in Texas until a few months ago. I had seen it flurry but not ever actually accumulate on the ground. Once he figured it out the look on his face was priceless. He was thrilled!

Anybody up for a snowball fight?

3. Snow shovels

This isn't me but it goes with my story. During the Blizzard of 1978 (man that makes me sound old!) we as a family were snowed into our home for several days. Considering that we didn't get along on normal days (aside from forced confinement) this was a humorous few days in hind site.

After the first three days we had our fill of Monopoly games, 52 card pick-up, Checkers and with 5 channels available on TV...well you get the picture.

My sister and I were sent outside to shovel the sidewalks and driveway. I was young so I wasn't much help but I was out of my parent's hair for awhile burning off energy in the snowbanks. I remember making a snow angel and getting stuck in the snow and not being able to get up. My sister laughed at me (this will become important). We had a small dachshund dog who got stuck in a snowbank as well and I had been nice enough to help her out.

Low and behold my Mom allegedly sticks her head out the door and tells my sister to have me come in because it is cold outside and they didn't want me to get sick. I didn't hear this. I had just managed to get myself out of the snowbank and I was ticked!

So I am MAD and now I have to go inside! WHAT!?

My sister is starting to panic because she doesn't want to be in trouble for not sending me inside. There is a small scuffle and I lose because I am several years younger. Can you see it coming?

I back away, pick up the shovel and....SMACK!

Blood begins to poor out of my sisters nose as I had just (more than likely) broken her nose with the shovel! Of course now I am more than willing to scoot my little behind inside the house.

I burst into tears because I KNOW I am in trouble for sure. I run for the house, get my snow clothes off and crawl into my bed to pretend I am taking a nap.

I remember getting spanked and losing TV viewing for awhile.

Amazingly enough my Dad dug out and made it across town before anyone else at his plant the very next day. It took him 2 hours to make the 1/2 hour drive but he no longer had to deal with us during the Blizzard of 78.