Winter of Discontent
How I learned to love shoveling
Winter. I can’t remember a winter whose icy tentacles have tormented me for so long. Christmas and its magical moments were something I always looked forward to, despite the cold. Boxing Day and New Year’s eve seem like a blur. But then comes that season we’ve labelled as winter, usually starting with a deep freeze in January. I used to love the change of seasons, the anticipation of variation in weather patterns, hoping for a return to better and normal routines.
There are signs that signal an upcoming event or celebration. There’s always Groundhog Day, St. Patrick’s Day, even April Fool’s Day. Those well-established and recognizable dates that come and go each year allow us to mark time during the doldrums of winter.
Yes, winter, a word that’s ominous, pregnant with unpredictability and inclement weather. Out here in the Prairies, just the mention of a Colorado Low or Alberta Clipper makes the most hardened soul cringe, anticipating strong gusts, snow and that dreaded word—windchill. Brrr. Just the thought of an impending Arctic Vortex is enough to send Manitoba Merv (groundhog) scurrying for the safety of his burrow.
That brings me to the unpopular topic of weather forecasters. To be fair, theirs is and will continue to be a difficult job. Sure, they now have the most up-to-date computer programs at their disposal, able to pull off sophisticated models of approaching storms. It’s tough to stay on top of the latest forecast when a low-pressure system—only moments ago nothing more than a blip on radar unexpectedly blossoms into a serious winter storm. Still, Mother Nature often throws them a curve ball, that if transformed into matter would be the envy of any major league pitcher.
That reminds me of a short video clip from CBC’s Rick Mercer show that aired several years ago. It features two house-bound Newfoundlers, Rob and Sharon. They found themselves in the depths of a cold snap with no end in sight. The outside temperatures were hovering at -6c. Remember, that’s a wet cold, compared to a dry cold for us flatlanders.
Anyway, Sharon tried to cheer up her husband and urged him to check the latest forecast from Environment Canada. The chart displayed 6 days of minus temps, but then a welcome plus 1 on day 7. Both Rob and Sharon breathe a sigh of relief in anticipation of good weather. However, unbeknownst to them the video shifts to the Environment Canada office, where a meteorologist debunks their own weather forecasting, calling it a sham. He unequivocally states that it’s difficult to predict weather patterns beyond day 5, never mind a whole week. He reveals that forecasters often fudge, pontificate, or exaggerate the forecast to placate weary viewers with some good news. Fiction is more palatable than some truths.
Well, a sure sign that spring has finally ousted Old Man Winter is the annual ritual entitled The Seasonal Tire Change. Allow me to explain. Sometime back in November, before winter takes a major foothold on the Prairies, many Manitobans make an appointment with their local tire shop and have the technician swap the summer tires for winter tires. Sure, there are those savvy drivers who claim “all season tires” are just as good. However, they’re the ones spinning their tires in place on a cold January morning while they watch others smoothly accelerate from a stop light.
Come April, it’s time to reverse the process. After the appropriate storage fee has been paid to the garage keeper, the winter tires come off the vehicle and are replaced by those that have been languishing in storage haven, waiting to be reunited with their respective automobiles.
Don’t you love that look? A freshly washed Toyota or Mazda sedan fitted with shiny aluminum wheels, sparkling in the sunshine. That could last less than twenty-four hours because a new Colorado Low is threatening to disrupt your momentary revelry. Then, a visit to the local car wash can revitalize that look and remedy those slush-laden fenders. Just be mindful of the host of potholes secreted beneath the freshly fallen snow. But that’s a story for another post.
Rest assured, the thermometer will rise again. This brings up an important point, often overlooked. We may grumble, even shake our fist at Mother Nature’s whims, but there is a greater power. Our sovereign God. He determines the climate and weather patterns. We need to be more open-minded and toe the line, rather than be caught up in complaining about things we can’t change.
Despite the storms, cloudbursts and inevitable precipitation which can land any of us in a bad mood, keep in mind that the SON always shines.
Well, who can’t be content with that?
Weather keeps us guessing. It is unpredictable. How quickly we are bored when life is predictable! Climate in our homes is controlled, yet how we long to go 'somewhere different' or move the furnitutre arond for a 'change'. God supplies our need for variety with weather.
Loved this! I hope Spring is well on her way in your corner.