When we were younger, we never truly understood what our grandmother meant when she would say, “It’s been a long, hard winter.”

In a child’s world, a big snowstorm meant no school, which would leave us free to go sledding, build igloos in the mounds of snow created by the snow plows, and roam our neighborhood with friends to earn a few dollars shoveling out the driveways of others. And after a long and cold day outside, we’d return home in our wet clothes for our mother to throw into the dryer while she made hot chocolate for us and our siblings.

Ah yes, just the thought of our carefree youth makes us envious of our previous life.

But in the adult world, a big snowstorm is nothing but trouble. Commutes to work are longer and dangerous and any travel plans involving the airport are doomed to go awry. A no-school day means that two working parents have to make a choice: Who will stay home with the kids?

And if you’re on the older side, getting about, whether on foot or in a vehicle, is a treacherous and dangerous proposition.

Although we have not had a Nemo-type blast (at least not yet), this winter season already has had its share of potent winter storms and the promise of more storms to come.  These storms have been rolling in on us likes waves upon the shore. And just like those ocean waves, we are powerless in the face of whatever Mother Nature might throw at us.

On the other hand, there is something about a big storm that is energizing to our spirit. Taking a walk on  a snowy winter evening is calming — the crunch of the snow under our feet, amplified by the quietude around us thanks to the lack of motor vehicles on the roads, is unique to days and nights like these.

And yes, shoveling snow is still a favorite pastime. Not only is it a great workout, but maintaining a clear driveway and walkway is something we can do to bring a bit of control into our little corner of the world amidst the chaos all around us.

On the bright side we only have about four to six weeks left of winter with its bitter cold and snow and giant icicles that form on buildings..

So enjoy the snow and help create memories, whether for yourself or your loved ones, that will last a lifetime.

And remember to keep your sidewalk clear and try to get rid of those icicles on the gutters that have us all looking up like the Wicked Witch of the West in the Wizard of Oz as she was looking for a house to fall on her.