My earliest memory of a blizzard was when I was in the second grade.

The blizzard was over, school had been reopened but the road going by our farm was blocked in by high snow drifts.

The farm family across the road from us had an answer to the unplowed roads. They still had a couple of horses in the barn that had retired because the modern tractor had taken their place working the fields.

The neighbors had a wooden wagon. The wheels had been replaced by snow skies and the horses were able to pull the structure across the deep snow.

So, my brothers, Tom, and Jerry and I decked out in long-johns, snow-pants, mittens and heavy jackets excitedly climbed into the snow ‘bus’ for our first ride being pulled by two, old, retired work horses. Suzzane, the neighboring farmer’s daughter also joined in on the fun.

The road was blocked for a mile and then connected with an unblocked road where we would meet the bus and continue on to school.

I never met a blizzard I didn’t like unless I was trying to drive in it. That was a different story.

My senior year a blizzard arrived just before I would be playing my last basketball game for the Clinton Rockets. During that game it was tradition that all the seniors on the team would start.

Since my basketball abilities, or lack of, insured that being a starter on the team did not happen very often during that season. I had to somehow figure out how to navigate our snow blocked road for one last chance of being a starter.

The neighbor’s horses had long since died of old age, so I was left with only one option. I would have to walk a mile across a blowing snow- covered field to another neighbor’s farm site and catch a ride to the game with them.

I completed the trek. I did get to start but we were humiliated by the Graceville Shamrocks! A Rocket defeated by a plant! 🙁 Embarrassing

Blizzards were a surprise vacation day, unexpected.

Even during college, we had a couple unexpected snow days.

After five years at the University of Minnesota, Morris I finally graduated and what do you suppose I had been trained to do?

Yes, you are correct. I had received a major in biology and a minor in physical education. I was prepared to spend forty-two years teaching school.

Think of all the potential blizzards that could happen over a forty-two-year teaching career?

And they did! And I enjoyed every unscheduled blizzard vacation that came along.

The winter of 1969 was the most memorable. We were snowed in for most of January.

The snow was so deep even a slight breeze would cause the roads to fill with snow.

One Wednesday in January the wind suddenly picked up and before the school could get the students to their homes the buses were not able to get through the blocked roads.

Aah, but that was no problem.

At the beginning of the school year each student had to report to the administration who their buddy would be if snow prevented the buses from traveling.

So, Wednesday when the day ended the country kids went to their buddy’s house for the night.

I bet they had a great time! 🙂

In those days the television shut down at midnight. The Star- Spangled Banner was played and a couple jets roared across the screen.

Internet was not invented yet. Video games were not abundant.

So, what did the marooned students do?

Giggle, talk and eat a few pizzas I suppose but not too much sleeping.

Since all the students were already in town there was school Thursday and Friday while the neighboring schools remained closed.

Can you imagine the underwear and socks situation after wearing them for three days and nights?

On Friday I’m not sure who was happiest, the teachers or the students for the weekend to come. 🙂

This has been a wimpy winter thus far, very little snow but freezing temperatures.

I know, I’m retired but I have been pining for a good old- fashioned blizzard!  Years of unexpected blizzards have spoiled me.

I used the snowblower once this winter. 🙁

Aah, but my last chance for a good old- fashioned blizzard still is a possibility. It’s tournament time; boys’ and girls’ basketball, and wrestling.

The forecasts have been very hopeful.

During the girls’ tournament a blizzard was coming out of the west heading right for us! At the last minute it dived south.

During the state wrestling tournament, a blizzard was building west of us and it split. One part went north of us and the other part went south.

Finally, the boy’s tournament was approaching, and I thought for sure the blizzard would come. In the morning, I jumped out of bed, flew to the window and threw up the sash (I think I’ve heard that somewhere before?) and there was the snow all 1/2″ of it!

Having written this blog, I have come to realize something about myself.

I am going to seek out an A.A. meeting.

I will walk in and announce, “Hi, I am Mike, and I suffer from a blizzard addiction.”

Twelve years of elementary and high school, five years of college and forty-two years teaching school is a total of 59 years!

And is there any confusion why I have grown fond of blizzards over those 59 years?

Spring is almost here; the blizzard season is over.

But you know where winter is returning?

The South Pole!

I’m contacting a travel agent and see what they can arrange. 🙂

Until next time.