Snow in Vancouver, late summer in Hong Kong

I've been told it snowed in Vancouver. How nice. It rarely snows in Vancouver. Even when it snows, the snow rarely sticks to the ground. Even when the snow sticks to the ground, it's rare for more than a few centimetres to accumulate. Even when more than a few centimetres accumulate, the snow rarely sticks around for more than a couple of days before milder temperatures causes the white stuff to melt and turn brown as it mixes with the slush on the streets and gutters.

This time, about 20cm fell over the weekend, and it's still on the ground. More snow is expected in a couple of days. Boy, I wish I were there. I can still wear shorts in Hong Kong. This month was the warmest November recorded in the last 120 years, with an average daily high of 23 C; by contrast, it's going to hit -20 C in Vancouver. Over here, I end up sweating on the days I decide to wear jeans and long-sleeved shirts. I only just stopped using air conditioning 2 weeks ago.

Despite the sharp increase in fender benders, the sharp drop in temperatures, and the need to leave the house earlier than usual if I don't want to be late for appointments, I've always welcomed snow. Unlike the patter of rain, falling snow muffles all sounds. The slow-falling flakes seem to float and glide, giving a simultaneously hypnotic and calming effect. I can watch the snow from my window for hours and hours. I especially like going outside at night, when the lights reflect off the snow, and the night sky is purple. And despite my age, I still love making snowmen and snow angels, and I even miss being "beaned" by a snowball. And let's not forget leaving mysterious yellow spots in the white landscape, or signing my name in the snow.

Though most people characterize it as a chore, I must say that I remember shovelling the driveway quite fondly. I haven't done it in nearly 3 years, and I doubt I'll be doing it again any time soon. I'm sure most others detest the idea of getting up early in the morning, putting on a parka and a tuque, working up a sweat in the cold, and aggravating the lower-back muscles. Sure, I hate all that too, but I seem to forget all about it afterwards and only really remember the satisfaction of having a clear driveway. I remember shovelling snow off into the bushes on the side of the driveway, my brother singing cheerfully as he worked. My family only has one snow shovel, but 3 garden shovels. We'd take turns using the much wider snow shovel, and would use the garden shovel to dislodge the stubborn compressed snow that formed the tiretracks of my dad's minivan (my brother and I normally shovelled the driveway AFTER my dad left for work). Oh, what memories.

If any of you in Vancouver took pictures, please send them my way.