Snow Days… ...and the Memories They Bring By Sandra Scott
C
OVID-19 has changed many things but I felt sad when my grandson heard all his classes would be online and said, “Does that mean there will be no snow days?”
Snow days conjure up some of my favorite memories. Nothing made me hop out of bed faster than hearing my mother yell up the stairs. “School’s closed.” I would rush to the window to see the wonderland that had been created while I was sleeping. I would huff on the window to melt the thin layer of ice and scratch away the icy frost, eager to see just how much snow had fallen while I was asleep. The trees were weighted down with a thick layer of snow, clumps dropping off at the slight stirring. There was a heavy quietness to the morning as the cold blanket of
snow wrapped the world in warmth and security. Determined not to miss a minute of the day, I would dress in my warmest clothes and drawn by the smell of bacon rush downstairs. My mind would be racing deciding on what to do first. The snow brought a wonderful assortment of fun things to do. After gulping down my breakfast, I dressed for the occasion. Gone forever are the bulky wool snowsuits that collected miniature snowballs and the black metal-clasp boots. To keep my feet warm and dry in boots, I would wear socks over my shoes and then a
plastic Wonder Bread bag. A multicolored handmade hat, mittens and muffler completed my outfit. I needed help to put on the finishing touches. My mother knew just how to fix my mittens and cuffs of my snowsuit to keep the snow out. Stepping outside — shaped like a Pillsbury doughboy — I was ready. The brightness of the sun made me squint and cold air hit my lungs like a sharp knife. Snow diamonds sparkled in the sun. The world had no sharp edges; the snow sculpted everything into gentle curves and swirls. Rooflines were softened by a layer of white fluff that
2020 / 2021
CNY WINTER GUIDE
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