So, it’s been a while since we’ve had a storm move in as quickly and as severely as this most recent mess. The blowing, wet, heavy snow caused many schools, businesses and agencies to close their doors and hunker down someplace warm.

Someone on Facebook Thursday morning was wondering why everyone was getting so worked up about the weather. She noted that perhaps the media had over reacted and blew the matter out of proportion. I guess if it kept a few people of the roads and safely at home, then it wasn’t hype drummed up by the television folks.

Perhaps with so many social media options, there’s certainly more discussion going on. It used to be the conversations coffee shops and cafes. Now, it’s the hot topics for Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. I’ve seen more blurry snow-flecked pictures and video in the past two days than I have in a long time.

I personally appreciate all of the warning for this storm. It meant people had time to get groceries, get errands run and make sure everyone was safely at home before the winds began to blow. Isn’t it nice that weather people have all the wonderful technology that can predict almost down to the minute of the first snowflake. Of course, Mother Nature is a fickle lady and sometimes her plans change or shift a bit. Not this time, though. Those weather folks were dead on about when, where and how the storm would roll into Hamilton County.

The thundersnow was an interesting occurrence. I’ve heard of that condition but this was the time I experienced it first hand.

Back in the good old days – when I was a child – the uncertainty of the weather and storms was actually a certainty and made for exciting times. In 1973, an early April snowstorm brought my hometown – and the state of Iowa, really – to a complete stop. Drifts of snow from that wild storm stretched from the ground up to my second story bedroom window. Our small poodle was completely engulfed by the snow when he was put outside. He had to be rescued by my brave father who waded through hip-deep snow to find the dog. School was cancelled for three days – THREE days.

Then on Halloween in 1991, the great ice storm descended upon us. It was three days of no power, impassable roads and evenings gathered around a fireplace playing board games and reading. Those with fireplaces quickly became very popular.

This storm meant a family game night for my clan. We lost reception on the television but then we gathered around the dining room table and pulled out the Cribbage board.

I don’t know about you, but I’m grateful for the early warning forecasts we had with this storm. There is great comfort in knowing that your family is safe and warm and away from harm.