Flame Think, Inc.

Old Testament: “Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said…Hast thou entered into the springs of the sea? Or hast thou walked in the search of the depth? ... Hast thou entered into the treasures of the snow?” Job 38:1, 16 & 22a (KJV)

Snow is a rarity in North Texas. Wintry weather usually consists of wicked ice storms occurring in February or March. Snow, if we ever get it, is usually less than two inches, and vanishes within 24-hours. Having lived in these parts for the past 12 years, I have seen standing snow a grand total of three times until this year. This winter is different. From November through January four major cold fronts made their way through North Texas. Two of these fronts carried snow. We actually received snow on Christmas Eve and it lasted past Christmas! However, these winter fronts were eclipsed by: The Storm!

 
Okay, “the storm” wasn’t comparable to "Snowmageddon" in Washington, D.C., but after years of waiting, our part of Dallas has a winter to remember.

While the U.S. east coast and northeast attempt to dig out of record piles of white stuff, we were surprised by “the storm” that dumped a record eight to as much as eleven inches of wet heavy snow. For the few homes which escaped tree damaged, “the storm” transformed our environment into the equivalent of a Thomas Kinkaid portrait.

Most yards became the home of snowmen. They ranged from 1 foot to 10 foot in height and included hats, buttons, and scarves. One local resident sculptured a snow woman complete with mascara. Several yards included snow families. My son sculptured a magnificent igloo, but after two days of standing vacant no snow people took up residence. Proof it is truly a tough housing market!

How appropriate the snow came in conjunction with the start of the winter Olympics. Fluffy stuff coupled with temperatures in the 30’s made every kid in the neighborhood grab what ever could serve as a sled and commenced sliding down any incline attempting to be the next great luge champion. Not to be out done, my daughter Sarah and I secured a plastic sled and help ourselves to the steep drive way of our neighbors who watched us engage in several runs of skeleton. Guess who had the longest run.

My son felt the need for speed and decided to visit quality virgin snow by climbing the roof. He enjoyed an accelerated snow board descent (closed tract, expert skier; do not attempt!). Fortunately our daughter caught his first run on camera. Ah, the excitement. Oh the dismount. Ouch, the landing! Our roof was good for four runs, but the course closed due to a sudden absence of available snow.

Most people see only the negative things about winter storms (electrical outages, tree and shrub damage, and traffic problems). Once in awhile it’s good for us to seek out the fun of unexpected winter weather and enjoy it with our children. It makes for a winter to remember.