By Brian Freitag
TASPL Director
I noticed snowflakes in the forecast several times this week. The first snow is like the first brush stroke on a blank canvas. I find the beginning of each new season to be a little like that. The first snowfall means another year is ending; we don’t feel like we’ve accomplished enough; time is flying by too quickly.
It also means that, along with blistering cold weather on the horizon, we’ll all have to ditch the singular t-shirt and adjust to dressing in layers again. It does, however, mean that at least one great thing has arrived: The holidays! Time to resuscitate the snow blower and prep the holiday decorations.
Have you ever noticed how holiday decorations apparently move and shift in storage as if a thing alive twisting, turning, or boring down through their associates in a box like a child in a ball? Consider your strings of Christmas lights, so meticulously coiled; which since last Christmas seem to have twisted into a wicked multicolored briar patch.
Note to tourists passing through in winter to enjoy what we have been blessed with here: don’t ask locals the wrong question. If you do, beware of the response and attitude arising from in no small part untangling winter decorations.
For those smiling, out-of-state, powder-loving souls who pass through the U.P. in winter (and make small talk with locals) here are things you should never say to a Yooper in the Winter.
First up, “Do you ever drive cars in winter or just snowmobiles?” Yoopers are not uneducated, and they do utilize newfangled things like, oh, a car.
Next up, “I hate all this snow.” Be prepared to be escorted back over the bridge.
Also, “Oh no! There is half-a-foot of snow on my car this morning!’ Don’t ever complain about snowfall when speaking to a Yooper. They have no sympathy for you and will likely laugh directly at you when you mention that 6-inch snowfall that upended your entire weekend.
Last but not least: “Is this a part of Canada? Are you Canadian?” Are you from Mars? You’re in Michigan, aren’t you? Go directly to the Lower Peninsula. Do not pass Seney; do not collect a sack full of pasties.
TASPL has something for you less frustrating than untangling lights and more interesting than contemplating why bubble lights don’t bubble.
Matt Zika the NOAA Meteorologist! Matt will be at the library November 30 from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. speaking about our unique winter U.P. weather, what you might expect to see this particular winter with El Nino. He’ll also talk about how you can become a weather spotter for NOAA.
A number of adults in the community have expressed interest in having their own book club! If you are interested in participating in a book club for adults this year, please let us know. Call the library at (906) 293-5214 to sign up. We will be hosting a meeting on November 9 from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. for interested individuals to meet and discuss structure and expectations. We hope to see you there.
Until then take care and keep reading!
