Dale Reedy, my plow guy (and artist in wood, but that’s another post) has been doing snow-dances for a month. Every time he sees me he slaps an evil grin on his face and reminds me that soon, soon he will be plowing out my drive and sending me enormous bills. “Ha!” I say. “There is no snow, Dale. Maybe we are in for an exceptionally mild winter.” He just grins. Evilly.
Dale is not alone. Snow means prosperity for lots of us. When it falls, skiers and snowmobilers come here to play. They spend money in restaurants and stores and at hotels and resorts and generally dress the place up a treat. So, we’re ambivalent. We don’t really want to shovel it and drive in it . . . but we’re glad to have the business. Besides, most of us who live here year round have a sneaking fondness for a really good snow. The fluffy kind that makes everything look fresh and lovely.
Last night when I got home the bay was roaring and there were tiny bits of sleet in the air. I took the dogs for a walk on the beach, which was a mistake, as I was paying attention to the crashing waves and Miss Sadie and the Cowboy were paying attention to escape routes. Off they went into the dark and stormy night, leaving me to trudge up and down the beach, the steps at the circle access, the steps at the Neoma access, the road, calling them and waving my little flashlight in utter futility. When I finally gave up and went home, they were waiting for me on the deck. I was so glad to see them I didn’t even give them the scolding they richly deserved. I did send them to bed with no treats.
This morning we got up late and there it was. The first snow to stick. There isn’t much yet, but it’s still coming down.
Time to strap on the YakTrax. Time to park the car in the garage instead of the driveway.
But Dale? Not time to plow yet. Pretty soon, maybe. But not yet.
Torch Lake Views 
Anna Surface
December 3, 2009
How beautiful it sounds there where you live! The snow, I do enjoy and I am eagerly awaiting the first good blast that will stick. We may have a chance for it late Sunday. Let it snow, I say! No treats for Cowboy and Sadie? I bet you gave them hugs and kisses anyway. 🙂
Gerry
December 3, 2009
It truly is beautiful. That is why we put up with so much in the way of Weather, not to mention chronic low wages.
I did not give the Disreputable Duo hugs and kisses. The Cowboy reeked of fish and Miss Sadie looked as if she had been up to no good as well. I have some standards.
I, um, may have suggested that I was exceptionally glad to see them.
p.j. grath
December 3, 2009
Yes, it’s here, and Sarah’s happy with it (but then, she’s happy with anything), and I’ve decided to be happy, too. First snow! Yea!!
Gerry
December 3, 2009
A change is as good as a rest, eh? I agree. As I write this, though, it has stopped snowing and started melting over here. That’s OK. Still time to get some photos down at the Dawsons’. More later . . .
Babs Young
December 3, 2009
Gerry, I’m sorry to miss the first snow. I won’t be home until the weekend to try to get some photos. Keep it around.
Gerry
December 3, 2009
Well so far it’s not much of a much, and I am disinclined to keep it. I think we should have a nice fluffy snow on Saturday. Emphasis on the fluffy. And of course it will be good to have you back as well.
Katherine
December 3, 2009
you know of anyone who fixes snow blowers? I guess we are going to get snow this year after all.
Gerry
December 3, 2009
We are definitely going to get some snow eventually.
I don’t know if he does snowblowers or not, butTom Morrison (listed on the Chores and Maintenance list over there in the right column) is a certified auto mechanic and all-around handy guy. I don’t have a snowblower anymore, but when I did I took it to the place where the people I bought it from took it – don’t remember the name, but it was a small engine repair shop in a pole barn on Cairn Highway, or maybe on US 31 where Cairn intersects. Ring any bells for anybody?Update: Tom says he took a course in small engine repair while he was at school, so yes, he’s up for such items. Give him a call
Cheri Sell
December 3, 2009
Let it snow!
Gerry
December 3, 2009
Easy for you to say . . .
Cindy Lou
December 4, 2009
We got about 5 inches of the lovely, fluffy stuff last night….winter lasts a bit too long up here but when it arrives in December (and not Sept. or Oct.) I like it. It’s better to have pretty, pristine white and cold then brown and cold! Stay warm!
Gerry
December 4, 2009
We had less snow and some of it was of the not-fluffy variety, but on the whole I’m content. Now I have to find my snowbrush. It was on the floor in the back. It’s gone. I can’t believe the dogs ate it, so I must have put it somewhere odd myself. Why do I do these things?
La Mirada Bob
December 4, 2009
“Why do I do these things?” Because you are your father’s daughter.
Gerry
December 5, 2009
OK, that makes sense. So if you had a snowbrush, where would you . . . never mind. I just found it.
flandrumhill
December 5, 2009
Your woods certainly look lovely in white. We’re still seeing green here.
I love good snowfalls too, especially the ones that make everything shut down and keep people like Dale working around the clock.
Gerry
December 5, 2009
I like fluffy snowfalls. I could do without the other kind entirely, especially when I have to go out in it. Dale loves all snow at this time of year (he gets heartily sick of it by April) and, in an excess of enthusiasm, plowed my drive when it barely had an inch of snow on it. We must have a little chat. It’s going to be a long winter.
Enjoy the green while it lasts . . . the ice will come.
katherine
December 5, 2009
Thanks! The snow blower’s fixed. Took it to Morrison’s on Thursday and he brought it back fixed on Saturday.Now we won’t need it for awhile ha! But again thanks!
Gerry
December 6, 2009
You are so welcome. Nothing like having the snowbrush and snowblower and YakTrax and mittens at the ready to prevent blizzards. Tom Morrison was over here today, too, taking stuff off my list. It’s nice to have him in the neighborhood!