Snow fell last night. I awoke to a beautiful blanket of white…over a foot deep. Snow was banked high against the doors of the garages and the tarmac looked icy. Only one garage had been shoveled out – that of a young man about the age of my younger son. (Most of the people living here are retired.) I wondered what this young man does for a living that required his being out in this.
Of course, I remember the days of snow storms and severe thunderstorms of years past before I became a “retired” Registered Nurse. It didn’t matter what the weather was…I had to be there. I’ll never forget coming out of the hospital one January night after midnight. It was -18 degrees and snowing like crazy. A few of the nurses had automatic starters and stood at the window on our floor, pointed it in the direction of the parking lot and started their automobile. They came out to a nice warm vehicle. I didn’t have one! I just prayed my automobile would start…thankfully, it did. I’m glad that my little 154,000 mile Camry is now parked in “her” garage. Maybe not warm – but dry.
Snow always brings back memories. Sledding with the kids, building forts and snowmen, snow “cream” with vanilla and sugar (we didn’t know to worry back then and were always careful where we got the snow for it!). If I could get to my daughter’s house right now, I could be playing in the snow with my grandchildren as I did during a visit a couple of years ago. I’m sure there will be plenty of snow here in the Midwest and time for that over the next few months!
The featured photo above was taken on March 22, 1968. Sixteen inches of snow had fallen in a rare snow storm in Memphis, Tennessee! I wrote it about it in My Southern Heart…the Stories. I wrote My Southern Heart…the Stories for my children and last Christmas published it in book form for them and the rest of my family.
18 Comments
Janet
Abigail and I are still waiting for some snow here! It’s been too mild so far. Today a front is moving through, and we looked out to see a few tiny snowflakes floating through the air. Actually, looking out my window just now, I see there are some more. But I will be surprised if they stick–we’ll see. We gave Abigail a sled last Christmas, and we didn’t get snow for her to use it, so she is very anxious to have the opportunity! Enjoy the beauty!
Dianne
I hope Abigail gets her snow! There’s nothing like hearing the sounds of delight as a child sleds down a hill! My grandchildren love it. It will also be a chance for a great photo-op for you! 😉 Wishing you a blessed Christmas!
Karen
Oh, you look so pretty standing in your winter wonderland in 1968! Isn’t it nice now that you don’t have to drive if you don’t want to? I do think you need to build a snow man on your balcony! I hope you have a white Christmas! And a very Merry one! Hugs, Karen xx
Dianne
Oh, thanks, Karen! You’re right – it is so nice not HAVING to drive in it if I don’t want to! Of course, I will run out of coffee soon…so I will have to drive to the grocery for that! 😉 Hope you have a wonderful blessed Christmas!
tanna
You look so beautiful in your 1968 snow photo! Snow does have a way of blanketing the world with a peaceful feeling, doesn’t it? I, too, traveled in any weather to make it to work in the OR. Didn’t think a thing about it. Just what had to be done… I enjoy not having to anymore though. 😉 Merry Christmas! tanna
Dianne
Awww… thank you, Tanna! Glad we don’t have to travel in whatever falls regardless anymore too! Merry Christmas to you and your family!
lisa
I had the hospital send an ambulance to pick me up for work years ago when i worked in a semi-small town in western Washington during a rare (at that time) snow pile up 🙂
Now live where it is expected to snow and love it not enought in the past few years so hoping this yr will make up for it….
Merry Merry…
Dianne
That’s funny, Lisa! I do remember a major snowstorm in Memphis when someone with a large 4-wheel drive vehicle picked me up at home. I ended up having to stay from 2:45 p.m. until 7:30 the next morning – a “double” in a hospital setting is no fun! Glad those days are over! Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Christine
I love the quiet and clean of freshly-fallen snow. And the possibilities for fun, of course! Have a very blessed Christmas, Dianne. x
Dianne
I agree – the picture of fresh fallen snow without any tracks or human touch is beautiful. And it definitely was quiet without the sound of people out in it! Wishing you a blessed and joyous Christmas with your family!
Tim Perkins
Better get used to it…looks like a tough winter where you are!
Dianne
LOL! I think you’re right, Tim! I had better get used to it indeed. I’m about to run out of COFFEE though, so I will be venturing out soon. There is still a bank of snow against my garage door however. The tarmac is plowed but my garage is in the corner and, evidently, hard to plow. I do have plenty of assorted teas, so I may have to resort to that! Wishing you and Carole and your family a wonderful Christmas!
Rosemary...
What a pretty picture of you standing in all that snow. We have a few sprinkles and I’m hoping for a white Christmas it truly does bring back so many memories. I love the way you write you create such peaceful imagery.
Merry Christmas Dianne and a Happy New Year.
Dianne
Oh, thank you, Rosemary! I do love to write. I love your photos and the scenes you create. I could just move into one of your picturesque scenes! Wishing you and your family a blessed Christmas and Happy New Year!
grace
what a pretty picture! both of them are lovely, actually. i love to look at snow…from inside, in the warmth. 🙂
Dianne
Thank you, Grace! I agree – it’s nice to be inside where it’s warm and dry!
BrendaTN
Enjoyed your snow stories. Isn’t it funny that at the time the picture was taken, I was probably about one mile away on Tant Road playing in it. As many snows as Memphis has got in my life we all remember that one. And most could say the date. I just remember March 1968. I remember that you could wear short sleeves because it wasn’t that cold. My daughter and family decided to visit NYC this Christmas and friends so I am praying for no snow till they drive back the end of the week. Have a Merry Christmas.
Dianne
I think you’re right about it not being super cold – in one of the pictures, I just have a “headscarf” (remember those?!) on – definitely not that warm! 😉 Have a safe trip back from NYC!