Snow's quiet touch keeps memories aglow

It’s snow season! That exclamation might elicit groans from those who have to shovel or navigate slippery streets, but barring all weather-related problems, snow can be sublime.

There’s a seemingly magical silence to snowfall. A natural sound-damping quality reduces noise levels, creating a muffled and hushed atmosphere. Enchanting. Spellbinding. Hypnotic.

Five years ago, my husband and I moved from Nassau County to southern Delaware, where the paltry snowfall forecasts prompt transplanted northerners to sell their snowblowers.

But I’m nostalgic for the snow days of Long Island.

When I was widowed and living in Bellmore, I addressed any snow accumulation by supporting neighborhood kids looking to earn a few bucks to shovel out my car and clear my sidewalks. Win- win.

When Billy and I met on an online dating site, there was no mention of snow in our profiles, but it soon became apparent that we were both enamored with the white stuff. We greeted snowstorms like kids — quickly getting dressed to run outside and build a snowman, followed by hot chocolate. Our playful snow days were well known, prompting Billy’s daughter, Casey, and her husband, Dan, to give us a snowman decorating kit for Christmas.

During the Blizzard of February 2013 when record snowfalls on Long Island reached 33 inches, Billy and I bundled up (hello, snow overalls!) to shovel out the cars. The next day, we tied a snow tube atop each car and headed to Cedar Creek Park in Seaford. There’s nothing like the squeals of delight as you’re sailing down a hill to make you feel young again. Though it doesn’t quite match the intoxicating thrill of falling in love in your 50s, playing in the snow is downright rejuvenating!

But snow isn’t just about the winter wonderland outdoors, it also produces a calm and comfort indoors. Snowfalls force us to slow down in our fast-paced world, wintertime’s version of stopping to smell the roses. Snow days inspire us to try new recipes, cozy up on the couch with a book, sit down and spread out with a jigsaw puzzle. Snow may not make time stand still, but it sure has a way of coaxing demands to chill.

I recall one year walking along the Jones Beach shore after a late-in-the-season storm. Seeing snow upon the sand seemed to be Nature’s way of ushering winter along and welcoming spring. That’s one of the many wonders of Long Island, enjoying the change of seasons, from summertime fun to winter wonderland, and everything in between.

I’ll admit that snow isn’t always magical -- especially when commuting. I recall getting ready for work, despite a stormy forecast, and finding myself one of only three passengers in a Long Island Rail Road car that morning. By the time I got into Manhattan, I was worried about the LIRR shutting down. I left the office at 1 p.m. when the governor declared a state of emergency. Billy was waiting for me. He had a fire roaring and had rearranged the furniture, moving our comfiest sofa in front of the fireplace.

That day on the train taught me a valuable lesson: When it snows, stay home and enjoy it!

Reader Paula Ganzi McGloin now lives in Millsboro, Delaware.