So over the weekend I got a lot of e-mail from readers mocking me and D.C. residents generally for making a big deal out of “a little snow” a “light dusting” and other such terms (volunteered by residents of Utah, Michigan, and across New England). I read the e-mail with great interest — after my electricity was restored. Now I’m the first to acknowledge that D.C. goes overboard in response to even rumors of snow. And as the proud husband of a native Alaskan (and as a native New Yorker myself), I would never pretend that D.C. is at the tip of the spear in man’s eternal war with snow. But let’s get some perspective here. Bostonians, for instance, often talk of the Great Blizzard of 1978. Well, that light dusting, dumped 27.1 inches on Beantown. D.C. got over 30 inches.
I went to two supermarkets yesterday. The produce sections in 1982 Kiev were veritable cornucopias by comparison. The trucks haven’t been able to make it in to restock the stores. Still, I lucked out. I found a package of brats, so I’m the richest man I know.
Anyway, now we’re getting ready for another 10–20 inches in the D.C. area. I haven’t checked the stats, but I’d guess we’ll have gotten in one week more snow than we’ve received in the last five winters combined.
Yes, you upper peninsula pioneers are made of hardier stock. But come on.
Update: Yes! From a Wisconsin native:
With your love of Culver’s and brats, you are hereby named an honorary Badger.
I also love beer and cheese!