We had our first snow of the year on Tuesday.
The first snow in many cultures is linked to magic, love, and new beginnings. For example, in Korean culture it’s believed that witnessing the first snow with someone special can lead to a lasting relationship.
The snow wasn’t much, not much more than a coating to an inch. In February during the first hour of a Noreaster that rolls into the region, we’ll get that much snow and more. However, the fast moving storm was still powerful. It forced local schools to close. It also caused more than a few offices to shut down. The rest of the county received two to four inches. Other portions of the state received up to six inches of snow.


Running from the snow!
After the first few inches of snow each year, I’ve usually reached my limit. In fact, the first snow of the season always reminds me of Country Artist Kenny Chesney’s song Island Boy.
I’m not ready to pick up and move like the guy in Chesney’s song, but there is something appealing about “Living (your) life where stress is the enemy.”
How does one do that – live a life where stress is the enemy?
–Say no to deadlines that don’t make sense.
–Say no to traffic.
–Say no to narcissistic people.
–Say no to anything that causes an undo burden.
–Say yes to friends and family, gratefulness, and taking care of yourself.
Hmm, if you put it like that, moving to an island doesn’t sound half bad. On second thought, hello Caribbean!
Who’s with me?

Island Boy
He left Maine ’cause he needed a change
And he was desperate to rearrange priorities
And he thought the sea would be the best place to be
So he saved his money, sold his car
And with his eye set on a Southern star
He got the courage to follow his heart
Set out for a brand new start
He’s an island boy
Now he’s an island boy
Living his life where stress is the enemy
Now he’s an island boy
A stone’s throw from St. Croix
He’s finally found his piece of serenity
Now he tends bar at the Old Mango
And he sees tourists come and go
With their pressed pants and camera case
Too much sun burned on their face
Now he watches the snow on CNN
With all of his dope smokin’ friends
Just look at the hell they must be in
Swears he won’t go back again
‘Cause he’s an island boy
Now he’s an island boy
Living his life where stress is the enemy
Now he’s an island boy
A stone’s throw from St. Croix
He’s finally found his piece of serenity
You know the love of his life has always been Emily
She loves the man she sees
In her island boy
Now he’s an island boy
Living his life where stress is the enemy
Now he’s an island boy
A stone’s throw from St. Croix
He’s finally found his piece of serenity
Island boy
A stone’s throw from St. Croix
Island boy
Island boy
Island boy
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Central Iowa got 10 inches of snow over the weekend, and now it’s below zero–not usual for early December. But that full Cold Moon this morning is spectacular, if you’re up early enough!
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The snow is one thing. The below zero temp . . . now that’s something else altogether. Stay warm!!!! It’s supposed to dip down to 15 to 17 degrees tonight. I’m cold just writing that Joy. Ha, ha. And yes, I hear you about the full cold moon. Just gotta make sure that you’re bundled up toasty. Ha, ha.
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That’s one of the reasons we moved to Spain over ten years ago!
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See you have the right idea Darlene. Love that. Gotta love and enjoy life!!!
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I do love snow, but that island life is tempting!
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Don’t you think???? My son just laughed at me. But I’m convinced: an island, good weather. I’d be okay. I’d manage. Ha,ha.
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he can visit you there )
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My thoughts exactly. Ha, ha.
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I wish you could hear me giggling. I miss my RV days when I could “drive” away from the weather and my home was on wheels! It wouldn’t make it to the Caribbean. Could all the bloggers have our own island? Is that asking TOO much? 💚😁
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Love how you phrase that: drive away from the weather. Ha, ha. Maybe I should think about that. I love that idea. “Oh yikes, snow in the forecast, road trip, let’s get this RV moving. We’re outta here!” Ha, ha. Yes, yes, love the idea of each blogger having their own island. Maybe WordPress should start working on that. Might generate more interest. Ha, ha.
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I live in Florida, but I’m still a mid-westerner at heart. I miss the snow! Not several inches of it though. 😊
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Yes, yes, the first snow and then I’m done for the year. Ha, ha. Plus, it seems early this year too. I would be dying if I lived in the midwest and had to deal with a foot of snow already. Yikes!!!!
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Love the Kenny Chesney lyrics. A good outlook and mindset to life. I’m not a snow person and can’t wait for the Spring weather and longer daylight to return! 🤣
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Longer daylight!!! You said it. I always think that I could deal with the snow and cold more if I got more sunlight. I hate gray skies. Need sun and less stress in my life. Ha, ha.
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I am a snow fan as long as it comes for Christmas and New Year’s, Brian. Past January 1st, I have no desire to have it arrive. Nice to have it around for those Holidays…but not on Valentine’s Day. It seems our Philly suburbs usually get a whopper of a storm in mid-February most years. I’m not a candidate for Island Boy as I enjoy the four seasons way too much…so I guess I will have to “allow” some snow past my desired date.😊
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Oh we’re on the exact same page Bruce. Love early snow. Christmas morning even better. After that, forget it. And then add in the fact that our Southeastern PA and Philly friends don’t know how to drive!!!!! That makes it even more interesting. Ha, ha. The past few years have been relatively light on the snow, but my hunch tells me that we’re going to be hit hard with snow and cold this year. Ha, ha.
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I agree, Brian. It seems Winter has fallen into Fall in our neck of the woods, and we’re gonna have a rough go of things this year when it comes to cold and precipitation. And to be sure, our area features many drivers lacking the common sense required to drive in it.
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I always have to laugh to myself . . . The Schuylkill or even the turnpike when it snows. Yikes.
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Moving to an island? Been there, done that, missed the snow! 🙂
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Now I like the four seasons more than I let on . . . but I must admit to thinking an island might be enticing. Of course, I’m assuming I’m not working on said Island, but just enjoying myself 24/7. Having to pay the high prices and working a real job might change my mind. Ha, ha.
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Now you are speaking my love language – Kenny Chesney!
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I love chilling to “Be As You Are.” Saw him in concert in the early 2000s. I haven’t followed as much in recent years, but still like his music. The newer version of Jimmy Buffet. Ha, ha.
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Yessssssss! He and Jimmy were good friends! We saw him in 2009 down at the beach here. I won second row tickets from Sirius XM. The tide rolled on and we were up to our knees in water. He still talks about that show! lol
You want to cry your eyes out some day – listen to his Don’t Blink. Good God it’s a tearjerker.
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We had our first one this past weekend. I spent Sunday and part of Monday shoveling snow. We have plenty to share, so if you want, I can send some your way. 😀
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MidWest, right Edward? Ten or twelve inches right? Um, I’m good with our dusting here. Ha, ha. Even the cold temps have me running indoors. 17 degrees here tonight. It’s only December. Yikes!!!
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I think it was about 15 inches, but nothing compares to what I experienced in Watertown, NY, close to the Canadian border. That was out of control. I’m glad that I brought my heavy-duty snow blower with us when we moved to Illinois.
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I came close to taking a job out of college in Malone, NY near Watertown. I visited in the spring or what I thought was spring and they were still cleaning up from winter. While it looked amazing in the snow, I wasn’t too disappointed when things didn’t work out. Ha, ha.
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Yes, I think winter starts in September and doesn’t end until June in that part of NY. 😆
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first snows are so nice (maybe Kenny can do a snow song – or not – ha)
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Yea, I don’t think that’s his thing . . . I love first snows. It’s the third, fourth, fifth ones in the same week in February and March that do me in. Ha, ha.
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;0)
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I could go for the island life! We’re trying it for vacation with the family for Christmas. Love this line: “Living his life where stress is the enemy.”
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When I hear that song, that line always gets my attention. I’ve thrived under stress in jobs especially when I was younger . . . but now I just don’t seem to have the patience for it. I run the other way. Ha, ha.
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I’ve been experiencing a ton of stress lately. I want to run the other way, too.
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Run, run, run as fast as you can Elizabeth. Ha, ha, no hang in there. Take it one day at a time.
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I wish I could run away! But I’m in charge of a lot of things I wish weren’t mine to deal with.
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Thinking of you. Hang in there.
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Thanks!
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Your reflection turns the first snow into a quiet invitation—to step back, breathe deeper, and choose a life where peace becomes the new compass.
The contrast between winter storms and island serenity feels like a reminder that freedom is a decision, not a destination.
Reading this, I could almost hear the ocean calling through the snowflakes.
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“.. where peace becomes the new compass.” I like the sound of that. Thanks.
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Very nice!
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😎😎😎
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😍
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😎😎😎
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Brian, time to just be chillin’ for a few months or moving to an island!!😂
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The snow is one thing … but I had to go out tonight. Oh my goodness, it felt cold! I’m not going back outside until June!!!!🤣🤣🤣😝😎
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