Remember Clyde "Cloudy" McLean? Did the WBTV (Charlotte) weatherman ever predict snow when I was a little boy? Did he get it right? All I remember is waking to the surprise of beautiful, big snowfalls. The pine trees lining the back of our house sagged with blankets of wet snow. Sleds came out. Hands and feet froze. And warm coal fires in the fireplace welcomed us back inside where the snow cream was made. I was happy.
I think I was born with the snow gene. Not the ski-down-the-mountainside-at breakneck-speed kind of gene, but the the wow-isn't-that-beautiful kind of gene. Clean, clear, crisp air. Everything pure white. Stop everything; come to a standstill. I've never lost that feeling. Even now, a snow forecast brings anticipation; disappointment when it misses. Even the Blizzard of '93 didn't cure me.
This morning a light snow softens down. For the first time in perhaps six months, I have walked the trail behind my house just to feel the snow. I remember having taken that walk hundreds of times, mostly with Cosette (Cozy) and sometimes the walk would be in the snow. And with grandchildren, laughing. Taking pictures. This morning my hands and feet froze. And a warm propane fire has welcomed me back inside where Gracie awaited my lap.
For me, this has brought a kind of Peace on Earth that an early season snowfall can bring. I am thankful.
http://btmemories.com/photos/reynolds/reynolds.htm
Addendum: I tried to find a picture of Clyde McLean and, in so doing, came across the link above. Of interest is a picture of my Uncle Ralph who was the chief engineer at WBTV in the very early days and for many years.
More WBTV memories: http://www.btmemories.com/index.htm
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