southern snow

In those parts of the country that get snow most winters, it is just part of the weather. But in the deep south it is a theme party!   Like all great parties there must be a theme, decorations, entertainment, a guest list, the right outfit and a menu. The theme and decorations are the snow itself, all white, sparkly and everywhere. Yes we all go outside and marvel at it. We stick out our tongues, dance around in it, make snow angels and ice cream if we are really lucky and get more than one inch. We go out and slide around on sleds and cookie sheets, in our cars and on our bottoms. Also, we expect to stay home from school and work, so that takes care of the guest list. And we call each other to share our viewing of the magic stuff. If going outside, we drag out our down coats, fur lined hats and boots that we store away for use once every five years. Or we make do with a layered look, bright colored rain boots and flannel pajama pants were big this year among teenagers. We find old ski clothes with colors representing each decade. Remember neon? staying inside requires a different outfit. We go for the Orvis look or what we imagine they wear in the alps depending on personal style. Then there is the most important thing, the menu. Everyone starts days ahead to plan their menus and take stock of their pantries. The grocery stores are packed sometimes two days before the storm and wiped out by the day of. I love to go to the stores at the height of the panic, just after they let school out and before it starts snowing, just to peep in other people’s baskets. I took a poll the day before our current snow storm. I  asked my friends what foods they made sure were in the house just in case they get snowed in. The top five were chili, chips and dip, vegetable beef soup, chocolate chip cookies and hot chocolate. What? No mention of milk and bread? Surviving is primordial and it is a no calorie zone. Everyone knows that the rules are these; 1. In an emergency you must have enough to eat to survive 2. You must eat more in extreme cold weather 3. Snow day calories don’t count. And then it is time for the party. The world is more silent. You can hear the kids playing and giggling outside. You have time to talk to your  neighbors in the street and to your friends on the phone. You eat, play, wonder at the beauty of it, relax, snuggle and enjoy the party.