It’s cold, rainy, and windy it must be March. The snow has finally melted where it was built up along the driveway but in the back of my mind, I keep asking myself a question. When did I begin really disliking snow? I know I must have loved snow when I was five because I have a black and white picture of me and my two brothers sitting on a snow sled in the middle of Gulick Street. That picture must have been taken in the early 50’s. I can remember being so excited when the first snowflakes started falling. I couldn’t wait to go out and taste the snow, yeah, we even survived that! I loved making snow angels in the yard and stomping through all the big drifts that I could find. I must have loved snow then! Then there were the times we were taken sledding at Nelson Park. I usually doubled up with each of my brothers so that meant I went down the hill every time!

 

I know I still loved snow in grade school and junior high! It meant snow days and an extra day I could stay home and read my books! Snow didn’t keep me from going to the bookmobile stop on every scheduled visit. In high school, I loved the first snow of the winter, and prayed every year for a white Christmas! The snow looked so beautiful and I could see how it covered some of the ugliness of this world I was becoming aware of. 

 

I even loved snow while my boys were little. I couldn’t wait to bundle them up, take them outside and show them how to make snow angels and build our snowmen! Usually before I could get them both ready and outside, one had to be undressed so he could go potty! I can still see the snowmen in our front yard at our house in South Shores. I didn’t even mind too much, getting up on those blizzard days and helping them deliver the Herald and Review for both of their routes. We came home and had a cup of hot chocolate, and didn’t forget the marshmallows!

 

I remember a time when they were about 10 and 12 years old. We went sledding on a steep street near the lake where my mom was living. That was so much fun! My two younger sisters were still home, and I didn’t have to make the trip up the hill to the top of the street every time!

 

I began to notice in my late 30’s that I seemed to enjoy the first snowfall of the year and really wanted a white Christmas. Other than those two times, I could do without snow! I had a few brief flashbacks of snow enjoyment when my grandchildren came along and this Christmas I thoroughly enjoyed seeing my three-year-old granddaughter see, feel, and taste her very first snow! 

 

As this winter wore on, it seemed like every time I looked out the window snow was falling! I realized that I no longer enjoyed snow. On some days I really hated it! We got through the snowfall this winter with the help of our great neighbors who helped us dig out with their snow blowers but I am really glad to see the last of it gone. I can’t pinpoint the year I stopped loving snow but for sure I didn’t like it this year! Come on Spring!