Snow, the New Devil

I am at a total lost as to why Colorado has been overcome by consistently falling snow. In all of my nearly 20 years in this colorful Rocky Mountain state I have never, ever dreaded the mention of the white stuff the way I have this winter. Since December 21, 2006, Colorado has seen snow every single weekend with maybe one break in there. And that break means there were only flurries falling from the sky. Flurries are a godsend after the three feett of snow that fell in December and we're STILL watching it melt, neighbors smile as the water trickles down our gutters. We're all outside, mind you, enjoying the warmth of the sun and 40 degree day that help melt away our new devil.

In my eyes, and probably plenty of other Coloradoans, the snow has become the devil. Even if you ski or snowboard, I haven't seen many Denver-area employees skiing or snowboarding to work! That type of snow is reserved for the mountains where people who enjoy outdoor winter sports go for fun-filled long weekends. Down here at just 5,280 feet we just want to get out of our houses, shop, eat out, go to the movies, take the kids to have fun and maybe even have a dinner date with the significant other. But this snow makes just getting out of the house a feat. We now have to add 30 minutes to uncover the driveway buried under a snowy grave. Then you brace yourself as you shift the car into reverse then barrel your way down the driveway at 40 miles an hour with hopes you don't get stuck on the icy dropoff filling the gutter.

People who live in other places wonder why we would complain, they ask "aren't you use to this?!" In a word, NO. Our snow will fall and you'll forget all about it after two days. We're not used to dirty snow that lingers for weeks. We're so close to the sun, which shines more than 300 days a year, that the snow has no chance to get use to the Mile High city streets. We aren't used to potholes in the street that nearly shake the kids out of their car seats when the front tire takes a dive. We aren't used to blizzards, though we expect one every other year or so and know to buy groceries and fill up the car, and we don't plan on getting out for a couple of days. And once those two days are up we are in our driveways shoveling alongside our neighbors so we can go somewhere, anywhere to cure the cabin fever.

Not this year. We have had snow on our ground for nearly 60, did you say 60?, days now. And we're all so sick of snow that any snow that falls now is gone after with a vengeance. Our neighbor can be seen after work beating the snow in his gutter with a metal pole to help break it up hoping tomorrow will bring sun and more melting. The snow may be our new devil, for now, but it makes me weary to think of what winters to come will bring. Meanwhile, if you want to see snow, there is plenty in Colorado as we speak so come on by. Oh and bring your shovel, you'll need it!