Snow: a Force for Good

Snow is our friend. And until TV weather forecasters realize this, we will continue to suffer their stressful warnings about an impending dusting. Snow does things that only snow can do. It covers up dog poop in my back yard. Snow slows things down. When we get hit with a few inches overnight, I don't have to be into work on time. Sometimes, when it snows during the day, I leave work early. And I go sledding. There's nothing like a sled hill after a snowstorm. The electricity in the air affects everyone. I used to go for the sledding. Now I go for the atmosphere.

Yeah, shoveling snow kinda blows. But I like the way the sidewalks look after they get shoveled. Nice and neat, defined and clean. Snow allows neighborhood kids to make some pocket money from neighbors. Snow feeds entire families because dad wakes up at 4 a.m. and plows as many driveways as possible. In northern Michigan, a snowstorm attracts snowmobilers with pockets full of cash to throw at elk jerkey, batteries, sandwiches and hotel rooms. They come in trucks and SUVs equipped with new snow tires they bought from Sears and Belle Tire. Just try to get your vehicle serviced at a tire store after a snowstorm. You'll be watching Montel on the TV in the waiting area for hours. That means mechanics are working and earning money. They're installing parts made in factories and delivered by drivers who get paid by the hour. Snow is one of the greatest natural economic engines known to man.

Snow gives an opportunity to spend time with your kids while they're still kids. And they get to spend time with you while you feel like a kid. Snow is good and pure and positive. If only the local news reported it from that angle.