Most people reading this blog know the struggle I've had with deciding whether or not I ever want to move back to Idaho. And most of you know that my biggest complaint about Idaho is the cold and the snow. Therefore, I find it somewhat ironic that the thing I have come to loathe is right at the center of some of my happiest childhood memories.
Although snow and I have a strained relationship at this point in my life, it wasn't always that way. There was never anything quite as exhilarating as waking up to a fresh blanket of snow. During the winter months of my childhood, the first thing I did every morning was push my pink rocking horse curtains aside and look out the window in hopes of seeing at least a foot of snow covering the back yard. And every so often, my wish was granted. The next step was to turn on the radio and listen for school closures. This could obviously go one of two ways.
If we were lucky enough to hear that our school had closed either due to unsafe road conditions, or the infamous "buses are frozen" scenario (which I'm not sure if that ever really happened), then the fun had just begun. At this point, it was time to figure out the best way to get suited up and keep snow from touching bare skin. I tried many combinations of scarf, mitten, and snow boot placements, each one seeming as though there was no way snow could possibly infiltrate the barrier I had cleverly created. Yet, within 10 minutes or so, my wrists would be cold, my scarf soaked, and snow packed in my boots. But at that point, it really didn't matter. Whether I was sledding down the hill at Ammon Park, having a snowball fight with Ashley, or constructing "tunnels" in the backyard (which were not actually tunnels, but a series of ditches in the snow that I made by crawling on my hands and knees in the back yard) I was always having so much fun that it didn't matter how wet and cold I was. Also, it's not hard to stay warm when your favorite winter activities are somewhat strenuous. Every hill you sled down must first be climbed with a sled in tow. Snowballs must be constructed and dodging the onslaught of incoming fire requires running through knee-deep snow. Not to mention exertion involved in the construction of the fort (necessary for any good snowball fight).
Yes, snow play is exhausting. And once I was too wet and too tired to go on, it was time to go inside and peel off my soaking winter gear. On a good day, there would be a fire going in the wood burning stove in the basement. That's where you put your wet mittens, snow pants, etc. After that, it was time for hot cocoa and/or oatmeal.
Quite honestly, I'm having a really hard time finishing this string of winter memories. So I guess I'll just go ahead and post it already. Happy birthday mom! I love you!
4 comments:
I also hate the snow and also didn't use to. But, you still need to get your girls up here some more to create some of those memories. Like ultimate sledding up on the mine hill although, I've been unable to recreate that the last few times I've tried...
Those were good times!! Sometimes I wish I could go back to those days when snow was seemingly not cold at all! I think that the peeling off of the soaking wet gear and having some instant cocoa at the end of the day was one of the best parts. Man, I have so many great childhood memories that you are a part of.
Once you have to dig out a vehicle or clench the steering wheel as you slide across ice the childhood fun of snow fades considerably.
Many adults seem to find a way to stay connected to that fun side though, skiing, snowmobiling.. there's even that crazy snow cave business.
I'm beginning to believe most of adult life is a grand test to see if we can bring that childhood positive energy and outlook back into everyday no matter where we live.
Snow is a test for you.... hellish heat for me. (:
Ok. So, how long has this post been here and I never saw it?!?!? Supposedly I have a notification thing on Igoogle that will tell me when something is posted. Hence I am only now coming across your lovely posting of memories.
I can still see you bundled up, making snow creations and then coming in sopping wet. And what's not to love about those stylin pink rockin horse curtains?
Thanks for the great post and a lovely look back.
And who says your winter fund is over? I have some great memories already of you and those two girls last Christmas outside flailing about in the snow. I mean who needs exercise when you can pull two toddlers up, down and around in a gigantic black sled whilst they clamor for more!
I agree with Tyson (no surprise as to why:0) you DO need to get back closer to home to get your girls some more good memories - and not just with snow, but cousins, aunts, uncles and did I mention gramma K?!?
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