Tintin’s and Mrs. PvE‘s recent posts about holiday dressing made me start to think about traditions during the winter months. Well, those posts and the blizzard that dumped a foot of snow on Richmond beginning on Friday night.
We were having dinner with the always delightful Mr. & Mrs. W. when Mrs. W. mentioned how times had changed. A decade or two back, the “snow day” that shut down offices and schools would be cause for a quick trip to the ABC/grocery store for supplies of Bourbon (although she mentioned Jägermeister, being a younger sort than are we), beer and ingredients for a pot of chili.
In between college and “a real job”, the snow day would have sent me scurrying for tequila, limes and Triple Sec for Margaritas and ingredients to make nachos (this was the late 1980’s). Along the way, we would pick up an armload of classic comedies (perhaps the complete John Cusak œuvre) and snow related movies. On the third day, the movies would skew toward those set in sunny climes and pizza delivery would be called for.
By the time Mrs. E. got to me, the winter’s day tradition may still have included Margaritas, but evening’s were more likely to involve fondue (cheese and meat both) and Champagne (la Veuve Clicquot in those heady days) and Deano crooning lasciviously about it being cold outside.
Yesterday found me making hot chocolate for the children before Mrs. E. and I donned the Sorel snowboots, tucked dressier shoes into a bag and hiked to the Architect’s for an annual Christmas party that is not to be missed.
What are your “snow day” rituals? Or does it snow so much where you live that the whole idea seems ludicrous?
Wonderful memories, Chris. All the best to your family and the Mrs for healthy happy holiday season!
Honestly, our snow days are usually non-events by noon and we are likely going out to lunch and to an afternoon movie. But if we really get snow we go sledding. That is where you really get to see the wonder of it.
But I like the margarita idea just as well.
What’s a snow day?
Being a life long Chicagoan I can recall only 2 snow events. Spent both digging out so we could all resume normal winter time commuting procedures.
The first was in high school at the beginning of a weekend. The second was on new year’s eve, so we missed the party.
12 inches of snow would have made for a messy commute and something to complain about at the office the next day
Chinese food, Casablanca and a bottle (maybe two) of Piper. Oh, and the Golf Foxtrot. It’s no fun without her.
Also in Richmond (well, Short Pump really) we made the obligatory Kroger/Ukrops run on Friday morning for milk, bread and eggs. We already had plenty of beer, wine and lots of party food as we were expecting 40 some people Saturday night for our annual party. The 40 shrunk to 6 intrepid SUV-driving people, but a good time was had by all. There are worse situations to be in while snowed under!
Our post-college memories are the same as yours. It would have been a crime to run short on alcohol and nacho materials.
Merry Christmas! I am slowly making my way through your archives and enjoying them very much.
We usually get so much snow that we couldnt possibly have a snow day every time! Tho if I dont feel like slogging through it I just stay home and putter around the house. I think I need some more traditions!
Hot chocolate. Grilled-cheese sandwiches. More glasses of port than are truly necessary. Firing up the cast-iron heating stoves. A pile of books, both well-loved and never-read.
Born in Massachusetts, grandparents in Maine and Connecticut and growing up in CT and Cape Cod; with wife and kinder-moving to Germany, Connecticut, Northern New York, Ohio, Michigan, Connecticut (again) and finally Florida – damn – I’d love to see a snow flake or two (y’all think I’m nuts) – I never say “y’all”.
In high school it seemed snow days were when I had the most girlfriends – something about no school, A-line/tartan clad girl-next-door, and smoochin’. Memories ~ ~ ~
(Oh back to consciousness) As an adult– It was stew or big pot of stuffed cabbage and a nice fire crackling in the fireplace (after the dude with the snow plow came by and I paid my $15) in Oxford, CT.
Thanks for a great post – and the memories!
$15 for snow removal? Where can I meet this fellow? Our snow plow dudes drive pick-up trucks with big blades on the front and the name of their summer lawn service professionally printed on the side door. Our driveway and a path to the front door fetches $50 + tip. Snow removal is big & serious business around here. For our last storm (8-9 inches), our street was cleaned by a fellow driving a John Deere tractor (the large model), a city consignment no doubt. He did a better job than any city worker has ever done–no damage to landscapes or curbs. Right now we are less worried about snow than we are our (Nebraska) senator extorting money from the Congress. What an embarrassment! Drinking chocolate, ironing, gift-wrapping, and chili, perfect for snow days.