Differing outlooks on subject of snow
“There’s one good thing about snow, it makes your yard look as nice as your neighbors.”
Jonathan Clyde Moore, author,
“Art of the Compliment”
Snow is a form of precipitation; each snowflake is an ice crystal formed from 180 billion water molecules and one septillion of them fall to earth, an element of winter that frustrates and fascinates. Initially, the reaction to a wintry scene is “pure as the fresh driven snow,” – appreciation for the beauty and a sense of playfulness. As the snow lingers and accumulates, so does the reality of winter.
The ambient temperatures and conditions of winter cause some people to go south. Samuel Gosling, psychologist at the University of Texas, suggests people who look for their ‘psycho-physiological comfort optimum’ in weather can be classified as “hater, lover or unfazed what-ever.” The differences become apparent as winter comes to Northeast Michigan.
A phrase from the film, “Lethal Weapon” – “I’m getting too old for this” – is the feeling of many so called “snowbirds.” They are snow haters who head south to find their “Goldilocks zone” – a term originating from the baby bear’s bowl of porridge to be served not too hot, not too cold. Florida is a popular destination for people from Alpena. There is even an “Alpena Party” that has been held annually since 1988 at the Hudson VFW. The party provides a chance to take selfies for the folks back home.
Many of the folks back home are snow lovers who take the attitude, “Bring It On!,” which is also the title of a 2000 comedy film. They want more snow! For them winter is a special time of year to enjoy the outdoors with snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. The Alpena Snow Drifters groom trails that extend north to Mackinaw City and west to Hillman, while the Thunder Bay Trail Association grooms trails for skiers at Chippewa Hills and Norway Ridge.
No decision is necessary for those who feel home is where the hearth is. They remain the unfazed what-ever people who enjoy the comfort of familiar surroundings.
“What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness.”
John Steinbeck, author
“Travels with Charley, In Search of America”
Tom Brindley grew up in Iowa, and studied journalism and accounting. He is a retired controller from Alpena Community College and has been active in local non-profit organizations. He can be reached at bindletom@hotmail.com.