Dec. 20th Snow Storm

Winter has finally hit Salem Oregon. Normally we have gray skies and rainy weather. on rare occasions a small snow storm will wander our way and leave an inch or two of snow that quickly melts by the next day.
But this week something unusual happen. The Pineapple Express [that's warm moist air from Hawaii ] met fridge cold Arctic air from Canada and decided to dance together right over Oregon. We have snow, real snow, that has been piling up since Monday. This new storm has decided to stay awhile and Oregonians all over the state are sliding across rodes in entertaining fashion.
Those intrepid souls that venture out after dire warnings of black ice,slick frozen roads, and the need for chains before getting out on the highways. Now I have dealt with snow having lived in Colorado up in the mountains near Pikes Peak, and I have seen lots of strange things. People abandoning their cars in the middle of the highway, people stalling their cars when driving up the pass, which of course causes everyone to then slip and slide in the most undesirable ways, but I have never seen people slide sideways up and down the rodes quite like we Oregonians do, and to add to the mayhem are our fearless news media standing in the streets to show us all how hazardous the rodes can be . As a vehicle slides pass them slamming into the curb or guard rail, the reports are always shocked ! Really?? Do you think by standing in the middle of the street there might be ,oh I don't know, maybe cars coming down a slick hill might have an issue with reporters in the street?
We live in the hills in West Salem and it's beautifully snow covered, there's about 8 " on the ground now, and it's beginning to look alot like Christmas. Everyone has their Christmas lights on, kids are sleding, inside our house is dimmly lit by sparkling tree lights ,ribbons and my favorite Santa's. Sipping on deep chocolate cocoa and freshly baked cookies, the fireplace has a nice warm fire burning and all is right with the world!
Merry Christmas to one and all. May God Bless this Nation and all who believe in Him! Susan