Blizzard of 2011 in Michigan

Here we are, right in the middle of the blizzard of 2011. Personally, I've seen worse and I think anyone on the East coast lately would think we were as bunch of wussies if we were overly concerned about this one. Sure there has been about 10 inches of snow blown around by the wind but still, a blizzard?

Jokes abound concerning Michigan and the amount of snow we deal with but lately we've been dodging the worst of it. That's the fun of living in Michigan though, uncertainty. Blizzards make a good news event but on a scale of one to ten, this isn't much of one yet. Within 24 hours the sidewalks will be clear, the roads mostly passable and the kids will be yelling and screaming while they slide down the nearest hill. That's Michigan! When it comes, we deal with it and get on with our lives. Snowmobilers, skaters, ice fishermen and skiers love this sort of thing. Some of us use the time as an excuse to kick back and get a much needed rest. Every snowstorm brings a silver lining for someone. What's the old adage? "When you get a lemon, make lemonade."

In 1978 there was a true blizzard. Roads were shoulder deep in drifting snow. Snowmobiles were ridden down the major roadways without so much as a second look from the local sheriff. Store shelves were emptied of all food staples and amazingly enough, toilet paper was no where to be found. A significant note of historical fact is that nine months later there was a whole bunch of babies being born. I think I'll start the countdown right now to see if that happens again. It may very well be the primary measuring stick of the intensity of a blizzard do you think?

I've seen the pictures of even minor snow events down south in Alabama and surrounding states. They have a problem. No snow removal equipment. Here in Michigan we have enough machinery to do the job so a storm like this is just like a bump in the road. A government survey conducted a few years back found that there is greater financial cost involved with the damage from bad roads in Michigan each year than from weather related accidents.

Today I get to play with "Bruno" my trusty snow blower. Probably a couple times. I'll be visiting some of my neighbors too. Bruno and I really enjoy that sort of thing. Have a good day..........Joe