SNOW RULES

"Kindness is like snow. It beautifies everything it covers."

--- Kahlil Gibran

Ok, I would not agree that snow beautifies everything, but that's just a personal issue, and this quote is probably meant metaphorically. Snow does enhance places in New Hampshire like ski areas and fallow fields. It looks lovely in Central Park, clinging to spindly tree branches while tiny white lights twinkle through and put a bit of sparkle in the air. The sight of snow on the cupola of Founders Hall on the campus of my alma mater Saint Michael's College in Winooski, VT never fails to warm my heart. It evokes a memory of the best years of my life when everything was new, and my world was a small campus of brick buildings, friends, and adventures.

Having grown older though, and, admittedly, a good bit crankier, snow that shows up in my world now is not viewed by me as anything but a hassle and a hazard. Staying upright on flat, dry pavement is a struggle for me. Throw in snow, ice and wearing clunky boots that I hate and it's a recipe for disaster, complete with public humiliation and an epic windmilling of arms and legs that ends with me stranded in a snow bank. I've never once fallen without at least a dozen witnesses, because what fun would that be?

The snow situation recently in town, however, has brought to the fore another problem. A lack of kindness, compassion, and patience. We got slammed, no doubt. This bomb cyclone was just insane in how fast it roared in, crapped white death all over everything and then zoomed out to sea, without a backward glance. It was overwhelming to some, no doubt. It doesn't matter how much bread and milk you buy; if you can't even shove open the storm door to get out to your driveway, it's going to get ugly fast. Visions of Jack Nicholson and "Here's Johnny!" are never far from my mind in these storms. Eventually, though, we all dig out, and life goes on, as it should. I was not thrilled about forking over close to $1,000 on a snowblower some years back, but it happens to have been one of the best decisions ever, and I'm grateful for it.

Not everyone has one though. Some have teens that shovel, landscapers that plow, or some other way of dealing with the snow. It's been a few days though, and if one goes by the angst and anxiety on social media, you would think that there are no sidewalks cleared anywhere in town. Wee babes are being left to wander busy streets, like some snowy version of Frogger, leaping out of the way of oncoming traffic. It's true; the snow hasn't changed many of the driving habits I routinely rant about. People still park like they own the road and not the car and apparently many are oblivious to those around them, and there have been some close calls. Sidewalks seem to be a significant issue, and it might be time for Brenda's Rules of Snow Etiquette. Much like myself, they're entirely arbitrary and not complete but take a look anyway.

1)    If at all possible, shovel the sidewalk in front of your house. No, you don't own it, and there is no town ordinance that can force you to take care of it. No law exists telling you to find a little kindness in your heart either, but it's a good idea. If you can't do it, because of age, finances, physical infirmities or other issues, that's OK. Maybe ask a neighbor? Perhaps offer a hot meal, a hand knit scarf or a bottle of a chosen adult beverage to someone in trade for it? Your letter carrier will thank you, so will your friends with dogs, the trash collection guys and, especially near schools, you will have the thanks of grateful parents and students who have a safe place to walk. Move away from the thought of "Why should I?" and go towards, "Why wouldn't I?"

2)    If you have a plow service, for your home or business, please ask them not to pile your snow into the driveways and yards of your neighbors. You don't rake your leaves into someone else's yard; you don't go over and pick someone else's veggie garden without permission. Don't make your snow their problem. Also, please realize how hard snow removal crews work, especially our town employees. Thank them when you can and try looking at it from their place behind the wheel.

3)    Check on your neighbors. Yes, even that cranky one that yells, "Get off my lawn." It can be hard for people to ask for help but think about it. Who doesn't need some assistance now and then? If you can, offer your help. Because it's nice, because it benefits everyone and because it's good karma.

Spring will be here eventually, as it always is. Kindness, on the other hand, seems rather in short supply in some areas. We can't change the weather, but I'm betting we can make it seem a little less brutal? To those (and you know who you are) who already do this, thank you. Stay safe and warm and as my friend Chris always says, "Peace and love."