Out of Place Midwest Mom

The indifference I had to snow stayed for a while – probably until I was about 24. Oddly enough that’s about the time I moved to Iowa with my son. I had seen snow before and had been in storms but never really lived in it or had to function in it. About the time I had to start driving in the snow to support myself the indifference turned into a complete dislike of it. I work about 45 minutes from where I work on a good day. When it snows it might take about and hour maybe a little longer.

While thinking about my feelings on snow it brought me to a question that only those who live in this sort of climate can relate to – Where are all the children?

In most places you’ll find that when it snows anyone under the age of 15 will outside. Whether its snow ball fights, igloo building, or snow man making they all want to be outside and knee deep. In my neighborhood not a single child can be found until the suns out and the temperature is above 35 degrees. Snow isn’t a wonderland in Iowa. Our children aren’t stupid; they know that it’s cold and yucky. They know that if they really want to play in it there will be more chances. It’s not a once every 5 year sort of event. Snow is no fun.

It’s snowing in Iowa today and my county is under a blizzard watch and winter snow advisory. On my way into work I was reminiscing about snow and how excited I would get when ever we got any. I tried to remember when my love of snow changed to indifference and at what point it turned into a strong dislike.

I’m pretty sure the indifference started when I lived in Reston, Virginia. I lived there in the early 80’s so I was fairly young – from about kindergarten to the 3^rd grade. We had a snow storm and although I don’t know the actual amounts I would say that I think it dropped about 2 feet of snow. I can remember fighting with my mom to go outside. My mom, who was born and raised in Iowa, really didn’t see why I could possibly want to be out there but eventually she gave in. My dad, who was raised in Texas, was indifferent to it all.

After spending the afternoon outside my mom called me in to warm up. We rarely saw snow in Reston so I had no need for snow pants which meant that I was soaked. I was cold, wet, and whiney. My mom pealed my pants off of me and my legs were bright red. I’m pretty sure that’s when the indifference set in.