Jack Frost overstays welcome

“And since we’ve nowhere to go, let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!” – While I’m a fan of the song and the general sentiment, I have a couple of issues regarding our recent week plus of extreme winter weather.

Ah, a sea of white everywhere you look! It does lend a certain serenity and sense of calm, at least, at first. A lot of folks have taken advantage of the presence of the ubiquitous slippery substance to practice long out of use sledding skills or introduce younger friends and family to the activity, and that’s certainly a benefit to the situation; however, it has also proven to be challenging, and those that have chosen or had to get out know only all-too-well how dangerous it can be.

Though pretty, and certainly rare in Franklin County, we didn’t even get any actual snow, only freezing rain and sleet – ice. Lots and lots of ice. So much in fact that one might wonder whether Jack Frost has been benefiting from the assistance of a certain ice queen inclined to sing.

The record shows he’s rather bad at keeping in touch, generally speaking, often proving a bad-mannered guest when he does grace us with his presence. I want flurries, dang it! I want to watch the snow falling and delude myself that perhaps this will finally be the year I build a snowman that’s not misshapen and in danger of crumbling straight off – or in need of a microscope in order to be seen.

But alas, Jack Frost insisted on dragging his feet about packing up and leaving town, despite the protests of many wishing for warmer temperatures and ice that stays melted. Being cooped up for days on end can get old pretty fast, especially when it isn’t safe to drive, and you can’t get mail or go out and buy what you want or need or do the things you want or need to do. At least we kept power and Internet on this go-around, conditions for which I am certainly grateful.

So, here’s to hoping Jack Frost decides to visit others for a good while and let us get back in the swing of things so we can enjoy clear roads and the ability to safely travel outside of our homes. Even so, despite my protests, the icy landscape does have a certain quality I will miss. I’ll drink a hot chocolate in its memory as I celebrate no longer being stuck waiting for the 60th day of January to end.