Finally, we had a snowstorm worthy of the name. It has been two years since it snowed in Madison like it did from Saturday evening into late Sunday night.
It was wonderful.
I just don't understand people who don't get winter. I mean real winter. Polar vortex winter. Inches and inches of snow winter. "Baby, it's cold outside," kind of winter.
This is the stuff that separates us from Berkeley, Calif. Many people call Madison the Berkeley of the Midwest. But that's a political distinction. I know the mayor of Berkeley. Tom Bates. Heck of a nice guy. But sorry, Tom. Your weather does not breed character and fortitude the way ours does.
I could be bitter. In the years I was mayor (2003-2011) we had an average of 67 inches of snow per season and in 2007 we had the snowiest winter ever with over 100 inches. By contrast Mayor Paul Soglin has lucked out with only 38 inches per year in the last four years (counting this season, which is still ongoing). Every year Paul has been in office since his return the total snowfall has been less than the long-term average. Over half of the years I was in office snowfall exceeded the average.
But who cares? I love snow. The eight weeks of extended March-type weather we've had since Thanksgiving has been horrible. Not enough snow to ski on but too cold (in my book) to run or bike outside. First chance I get, before it melts, I'm off to Blue Mounds or Indian Lake to take a lap or two on the trails.
Face it, people. You live in the Midwest. It's cold here in February. It snows. Embrace your inner Norski.
