There were a few snow flurries this morning. Nothing major. The cold weather is here. I can’t help wishing it would snow a little more, if only so I can experience the awesomeness that is our local snowpocalypse reporting.
Portland isn’t used to snow. At all. When a few inches fall, everything grinds to a halt. Traffic slows to a crawl. Not only do schools cancel classes–churches cancel Sunday services, which is baffling to my religious midwestern friends. And our local news kicks into breaking news mode worthy of a terrorist attack.
The reporters are out in force, braving the snowflakes, wrapped in arctic explorer coats, snow pants, hats and goggles. They measure the snow with rulers, apparently never having been told that snowdrifts get blown around by the wind and so this probably isn’t the most accurate way to measure accumulation. Winter drama ensues. Cars slide off roads. Kids make tiny snowmen. Trains stop running–I have no idea how our train system would even function if it had to run anywhere but on the West Coast. One of my favorite TV moments ever involved a female journalist walking up to a man who was shoveling snow off the sidewalk and praising him for the “heroic work” he was doing. The guy, who just happened to be from Chicago, almost died laughing.
So yeah, it’s all…kind of embarrassing, actually. But it’s still more entertaining than run of the mill reality television. Bring on the deadly snow!
12/06/2013 at 9:11 pm
No way, you’re from Portland! Haha I’ve always wanted to visit. In fact, I’ll be visiting my boyfriend’s family in Oregon this month. He was also telling me about how excited everyone was about the snow. And me, having been in Chicago (haha) for the last 3 years, roll my eyes.
12/07/2013 at 7:27 am
Yeah, and Portland is a wonderful town! I would highly recommend a visit. I’ve lived here long enough now that I’m not used to the snow, but my Polish family bursts into hysterical laughter every time I try to tell them about our “winter weather”.
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12/07/2013 at 9:14 am
I was born and raised in California, but lived in Idaho for two years before moving to Estacada Or. So I am comfortable driving in the snow. I just cringe however when I am at a red light, and I hear the squeal of breaks and the sound of sliding form the car behind me.
12/08/2013 at 5:17 pm
I’m very lucky that I ride the train to work–I would not want to play the car dodge game! I used to live in a colder climate too, but it’s been so long now that I’m completely not used to it anymore. I feel like I’m freezing in these temps! Thanks for reading my blog.
12/09/2013 at 8:43 pm
No no no. Not in my house. I have strictly forbidden snow where I live. A few flakes slid out of a passing cloud but we could see grass. Actually, it was cloud dandruff. Be calm and proceed as usual. Hugs, Barbara
12/10/2013 at 9:23 am
Hahaha! I have forbidden the snow where I live too, and much good did that do me! I even got a cold bug as a bonus gift X)
Thank you very much for the reblog!!
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12/09/2013 at 8:44 pm
Reblogged this on idealisticrebel and commented:
Cloud dandruff has made an appearance.
12/09/2013 at 8:51 pm
sounds awesome weather …only ever experienced it full on once here in nz and it was magic.
12/10/2013 at 9:26 am
Okay, so truth is, snow gets me kinda excited too :). We’re just not used to the cold temps that come with it….it’s freezing here right now! Thanks for reading 🙂
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12/10/2013 at 8:25 pm
i can appreciate it been freezing!