Dear Northern Friends, I apologize
This story first appeared in Lagniappe News, Mobile, Alabama.
South Alabama is usually as hot as the hinges of hell and plagued by hurricanes and humidity, but now our yards are covered in nine inches of glistening snow. It’s one of the prettiest and most unexpected things I’ve ever seen, and it’s made me realize I owe you a few apologies.
Although my husband spent his childhood in Rockaway, New Jersey, he could never adequately explain the dreamy nuances of snow. My previous experiences with snow involved dirty, big-city slush packed into icy piles that looked nothing like the whimsical specks swirling around The Peanuts Gang. For starters, there’s no jazz music accompanying the swirling flakes, which, as a Southern girl, I truly believed were as large and detailed as the ones we cut from construction paper and dangled from our first-grade classroom ceiling in nearby Pensacola
But now that I’ve experienced real snow at my own Southern home let me apologize for a few things.
While visiting my husband’s New Jersey kinfolk, I noticed plastic runners crisscrossing their floors and covering their furniture. I smiled sweetly and complimented their lovely homes but secretly thought, “Except for all this tacky plastic.” Now, I shamefully regret those thoughts because, after one day of tromping in and out of our house with snowy feet, my floors are puddles of melted ice. Who knew? I guess my Northern hosts had it right, and for that, I’m sorry.
I’ve also noticed differences in Northern visitors when it comes to their practical hairstyles. Southern ladies spend endless hours with spritzy styling products and appliances, only to discover our poofy swirls and curls are ruined the moment a snug hat is pulled over our heads and blustery winds blow us down the street. Who knew? Northern ladies have the winter hairstyles right, and for that, I’m sorry.
We’ve been frolicking with neighbors in this shared experience of nature that doesn’t involve our usual hurricanes. With no holes in the roof or cars tossed into trees, we’ve relaxed and enjoyed ourselves. It’s so much fun that we’ve become a little jealous of your snowfalls. With this brief introduction to snow, perhaps the trends will reverse, and Southerners will begin to retire and move up north (wait— y’all do have grits, right?).
With my shutters flung open to enjoy the Currier and Ives suburban scene, I can’t help but regret that I didn’t build a snowman. My floral-embroidered gloves are for looks only, and my hands were frozen stiff. No worries, though, as I warmed them in front of my fireplace, which is also there for looks.
Maybe this rare weather event is a reminder that what’s fascinating and gorgeous to one person can become old hat—run-of-the-mill—to another. Whether it’s the white sands of my Gulf Coast beaches or the white snow of the North, perhaps we all need to find the joy and beauty in what we’ve been given.
The next time you visit our beaches and scream in terror when seaweed brushes against your legs, I’ll give you a pass. I’ll protect you from our giant insects and explain —without eye rolls, the difference between porpoise and shark fins. I’ll share my sunscreen for your pale legs without teasing because I now understand why some folks can’t wear shorts year-round.
One last confession: I have a Ziploc bag full of South Alabama snow in my freezer. What am I going to do with it? I have no earthly idea. But you, with your suitcases full of seashells plucked from our beaches, will understand.
We’ll call things even for now, and again, please accept my sincere apologies. I love your snowy ways.
That top photo looks like a magazine cover!!! You look a lot happier than your hubby about the white stuff. Have a wonderful white weekend, dear Leslie Anne!
Ha- thanks Katie – unless there’s a second snow storm this year, that photo will probably be my Christmas card for 2025! Thanks and stay warm!
You look adorable! Leslie Anne! We got 2 snows in 2 weeks. The day before the snow, the county picked up the hurricane debris from our front yard. Crazy! Part of me loves the white stuff, and part is anxiously hoping the power stays on. But the best part was setting out big saucers of sunflowers seeds and watching dozens of red cardinals stop by for a snack. Yes, a hat is a major commitment…once it is on your head, it is there to stray!!
Hurricane mixed with snow? What’s going on in this world? I had cardinals all over my front yard. Aren’t they pretty against the white snow? Take care – surely a Southern earthquake is on it’s way!
I totally enjoyed this article of yours and seeing your snow pictures. Everything is always so pretty against fresh snow.
Thanks Robin. I think we got just enough of the “pretty” without enduring the “headaches!”
Haha, so crazy seeing snow at the beach!I love snow when it doesn’t cause problems but that’s unusual…I still have nightmares about having to park on the side of the road and carry my children while walking trying to get home. And that was in Birmingham! I grew up in Connecticut and there were many disappointments when snow changed plans. I have lived in California too and experienced earthquakes and fires, trust me, I will take heat and hurricanes any day!! We have a Genarac generator now so if the power goes out, it automatically turns on in about 30 seconds, it’s the bomb!
Carrying children through the grocery store was hard enough – but snow? Oh my!!! How terrible. I have a love/hate relationship with generators. The stillness and quiet after the storm is always one of my favorite things. But so is air-conditioning!
Leslie Anne, as a fellow Alabamian, snow is magical. However, we didn’t get any snow and the fact that you did is still crazy. I am so glad you decided to freeze a bag so you can share that memory with grandchildren one day!
My frozen bag of snow won’t wait for grandchildren – i”m sure it will be made into snowballs and launched at someone this summer! Memories only for grandchildren!