it never snows in denver

I remember as recently as last week telling a friend back in Indiana about how the winters here were not really as bad as everyone thinks. Blizzards only happened every 10 or 15 years. Why, just last year I was wearing shorts on Christmas Day. In Indiana, they have ice storms that turn everything into a popsicle and the humid cold there freezes you to the bone. I'll take a Colorado winter over a Midwest winter any day.

And then December 20, 2006 in Denver happened. I learned from the last blizzard that keeping up on the driveway shoveling is almost as important as making sure there is always hot coffee available. The last time around, it took 3 days of back-breaking heaving and ho-ing before I set foot in the street. This time, I no sooner finish shoveling a path just wide enough for the car, and several inches accumulate once again. Better to shovel every hour than to endure the pain of Blizzard 2003.

Despite the labor, there really is a remarkable beauty to a blizzard, especially at Christmas. Sitting in my home sipping a cuppa joe, gazing outside at the blustery fluff, I feel sorry for those in warmer climates. The stinging cold makes me feel alive and there is a sense of excitement, for snow like this is something we talk about. Neighbors, relatives, co-workers, and friends all call to share the experience - not a disaster, but a big event over which we have no control and it breaks up the daily duldrums.

More than anything, if it didn't feel like Christmas before, it certainly does now. The sounds of tires spinning, snowblowers blowing, shovels scraping, and kids cheering with glee all make a wonderful carol that warms the soul.

Sit back, have something hot to drink. Snuggle with the family and enjoy this blilzzard while it lasts. This is Colorado after all, and soon it will be 60 degrees again.