Remember that dry fall we had? That memory faded with each falling snowflake earlier this week.
Children may revel in a snow day, or even half a day, which became a reality on Wednesday, January 15, when School District 47 dismissed students early in order for buses, or their parents, to pick them up get them home safely.
While youngsters relish the opportunity to frolic and play in the fresh powder, adults deal with the reality of a snow day.
Whether it was work or travel plans, the recent downpour of whiteness wreaked havoc on commuters, shoppers, business owners and those coming or going via ferries. Only one round-trip sailing from Comox to Powell River was cancelled, but several at Langdale and Horseshoe Bay terminals halted traffic flow to and from Vancouver later in the day. Businesses closed early and BC Transit halted its service in the late morning, stranding some people at work and forcing them to find other modes of transport home.
For those who decided early to take a day off or work from home, it was a good call to stay indoors and get some work down, or enjoy a little rest and relaxation, theoretically at least.
Unlike other distractions at home that can be set aside for another day, snow creates a variety of problems. As much as we complain about rain, in general, it does take care of itself; there is no shovelling involved. How much easier would the last couple days have been if those snowflakes were raindrops?
As far as snow is concerned, after a certain point every flake that falls results in shovelling. Need to go somewhere? Shovel the car out. Need a path to your front door? Shovel that, too. Every time the plow goes by…more shovelling (but we’re glad it goes by). Have a dog? More shovelling, and not just to pick up their regular gifts to the owner; they need some grass to perform on.
If you grew up in Powell River, you probably loved snow days as a kid, as they didn’t come around very often. Making a snow angel was way more fun than shovelling the driveway, clearing off the car or making sure paths around your home are clear and safe.
Oh, to be a kid again, when making a snowman, or snow woman, was the only thing on the agenda, along with the aforementioned angels.
There are benefits to staying home when it snows, even if your ventures outside are only to maintain your home and property, rather than playing. You saved gas, perhaps a bus fare, and probably didn’t have to properly dress yourself for being out in public, which means less laundry to do on the weekend.
Working in your pyjamas isn’t so bad, is it?
