From what I hear from the “Old Locals” (I refer to myself here as a “New Local”…), The Snow has been late this year in Pagosa. In fact, it’s anticipated arrival seems to have triggered more anxiety than the Presidential Elections, since so much of the local prosperity seems to hinge on whether or not the Wolf Creek Ski Area is open. And for that, it seems you need snow.

I think my friends Mark and Heidi have struck on a new snow-making technique, and it seems to have worked. I’ll call it: LLASS (Lend Leslee A Snow Shovel). I went by their place last night to pick it up, and, voilá… arrives The Snow!

Now, by my standards, I’d call this more of an Atlanta-style snow, but I’ll wait until I get into town later today to see if the Old Locals even consider this The Snow.

Just the same, I admit my relief that my introduction to Pagosa’s version of the magical, awe-inspiring crystals has been this gentle so far.

I smiled to myself as I made my morning coffee, to notice that the way I feel now reminds me of going into labor with my son… I had been hearing for months, from others, about what it was going to be like. Finally, the day came when I actually felt my own contractions. It still took someone telling me, “Yes, THAT is a contraction”.

So now, I’ll just spend the day watching the slush melt, and wait to discover what it takes before an Old Local tells me: “Yes, that is The Snow“.

Here’s hoping that November finds you all safe and happy!