Dear Washington, D.C.,
I’ve recently begun to experience my first real winter with you, and let me just say I am in love. The sun is out, it’s never in the single digits, and as of writing this letter, there has been measureable snow once, even though it’s midway through January.
I’ve noticed, however, that not all of your residents feel this way. In my few short winter months in DC, I’ve heard more complaining about winter than ever before. It seems like every time it dips below 40, everyone feels the need to pull out every winter item of clothing they own and stay inside because it’s just too cold. Now, I really just can’t understand this.
Perhaps I should explain this just a little bit. You see, I’m from Buffalo.
I come from a city where lake effect snow clouds practically always lurk over the city, and school is only maybe cancelled if you can’t see across the street or it’s below zero. I wore skirts to school for four years and slid my way along the roads every winter day to get food or visit friends. And no matter how bad the weather got, Wegmans, my local grocery store with a cult-like following, was probably open.
Now, I’m not saying that I never complain about winter; I really do my fair share of complaining. But, somewhere between taking my road test in the midst of a March snowstorm and digging more friends than I can count out of the snow, I’ve learned to put up with a lot. Sadly, Washington has not.
Three inches of snow here apparently calls for a day, if not more, off from school. In Buffalo, I’ve probably worn a dress and heels in three inches of snow. And I’m still here to tell you about it. Also, I’ve seen far too many pairs of absolutely pristine snow boots here. Real snow boots are usually covered in salt and are probably never dry. So, no, I really don’t want to look at your brand new boots that you bought “in case it snows”.
So to everyone who is asking me if I’m excited about the snow – actually, yes because I do love my snow. Am I worried about the snow? Um, no. Sorry, but a couple inches aren’t going to do anything but hang out on the ground and get dirty. Am I cold? Well if it’s over freezing probably not. And, no I will not look out the window to watch the snow. I know what it looks like.
In short, DC, you are pretty wimpy when it comes to the winter. Come talk to me when you see Niagara Falls freeze.
Love,
A Sub-Artic Transplant