Loved seeing the snow, but that doesn't make me crazy

We received our first smattering of snow yesterday.

At the risk of sounding like a mad man, a drunken lout, or someone suffering a total break from reality, I must say that I enjoyed seeing it for the first time this season.

More than that, I enjoyed feeling the snow. Fluffy, cold flakes sprinkled lightly on my face. Didn’t mind it a bit when some fluttered down my neck.
Cold and refreshing and invigorating. As it slowly covered the ground, my spirits rose. Shoveling it did not even dampen my mood.

Right away, I noticed nearby school kids flopping on the ground, hoping for enough of the white stuff to whip up snow angels with their arms and legs. Not quite enough to pack into snowballs, luckily, or I’m sure the kids would have pelted me.

I can’t help it. I’m a Michigan guy – a four-seasons man. Yup, I enjoy summer (who doesn’t?), spring, fall and winter. I’ve lived in the Winter Wonderland almost my whole life. Winter, snow and ice and wind and cold, is in my blood.

So, if we’re going to have winter, then bring on the snow. Come on, let’s have it. In my view, there’s nothing worse than dark, dreary days with brown grass and dirty streets.

Now, don’t get me wrong. My wife, Barb, and I do enjoy taking a break from winter during February. We usually head down to the Florida Keys for a couple of weeks to soak up the sun, warm the bones, play outside, and enjoy the ocean surf.

But when vacation is done, I’m glad to return home and dive back into what’s left of winter. By the second week of March, it really is just a short run until spring, another of my favorite seasons.

I hope my enthusiasm for Michigan comes across in my novels. Like most writers, I write what I know and what I’ve experienced. My stories are about Michigan people, places, and events.

If it’s Made in Michigan, then winter – and snow – is going to be part of the equation.
A Grand Murder