Snow - Still Happens at the End of Fall

Winter is apparently here. I guess that's a good thing - it didn't give us a lot of time for anticipation this year. None of the usual BC winter-watch, where we get to see winter coming on by the steadily lowering snow level on the mountain. It's like living in the bottom of an hourglass full of cold. Not this year, though. We went from "Oh look, some snow on the ridges" to "Holy god, I have to drive home in this…" pretty much overnight.

For our department, and probably for many, many others, this is crunch time. Often literally, actually. The inability of people to prepare for this annual event continually boggles my mind. How hard is it, people? It happens EVERY YEAR! But no. No snow tires, excessive speeds, passing in unsafe conditions. I'm not sure that it's generally realized when it comes to icy roads, SUV often means Suddenly Upside-down Vehicle. Maybe we should put out a memo or an ad or something - maybe during Canadian Idol, as I understand lots of people watch that show.

I guess ultimately I can't complain too much about people not being ready for winter. My leaves aren't raked yet, for example, nor is my garden particularly put to bed. As my neighbor says, "Once the snow covers it, you won't worry about it." Which is somewhat reassuring, but doesn't really fill me with optimism about the spring. I guess I'll just have to keep my radio close, drive as safely as possible, and worry about the things that I CAN see, which is as good a way to live as I can think of.