Am I the only one searching for snow?

In the winter of 1996, a severe blanket of snow covered most of north Idaho, in what the television stations dubbed "Ice Storm '96".

I remember a lot of things from that storm, such as the heavy winds that took down trees at my parents' house. That storm also fell right in the middle of my driver's education training. My parents and I had planned for me to take driver's ed in the winter so I would learn the ropes on icy highways, but it turned out to be the ultimate road test.

The winter of '96 has become the model winter for those of us who love snow. Great skiing and sledding are a staple of living in the Northwest, and I think I would be nothing but penned up in my apartment if it weren't for those activities.

We used to live for winter when I was in the Boy Scouts as well. We spent at least one night each cold season camping in a snow cave. You'd think it was freezing, and it was, but the insulation of the snow helped us in our quest to stay warm.

In high school I used to be one of the first people on the ski lift to start Saturday morning. When I went to the slopes with my dad and brother, we would arrive on the mountain as soon as it opened to take advantage of even the smallest fall of flakes from the night before. We would ski through lunchtime, and usually not even go in the lodge until at least 2:30 p.m. I have to say that a cup of hot cocoa tastes that much choca-licious after a day in the cold.

That's why I'm a little concerned with the lack of snowy terrain out there this winter. Old Man Winter hasn't been at his best. It's almost February and ski hills are still reporting early season conditions. I haven't yet had the chance to even hit the slopes, and my new ski rack has so far gone unused.

Sure we had a great first snowfall earlier this month, but now it's time for another batch of the white stuff to hit us. I know it was pretty cold for a lot of people for a few weeks, but I was a little concerned about the 50 degree temperatures last week. I must admit I have been a little envious of New England these last few weeks. Record snowfall like that is something I haven't heard about around here for quite a long time.

Wednesday is Groundhog Day, and one lucky rodent will determine for the country whether or not spring is upon us. My dream is for six more weeks of snowmen and icicles. No matter what, I'm going to keep packing those additional layers of clothing with me just in case.

I can already hear the sound of chattering teeth from many of you, thankful that temperatures have become tolerable. While I'm still looking for my snow fix, you may be looking for sunny and 72. Don't worry, I'm not a meteorologist and I don't even think the educated weathermen are predicting more flakes.

Punxsutawney Phil will tell us on Wednesday, whether or not we will be lucky enough to enjoy six more weeks of winter. My fingers are crossed, and my money's on the groundhog. If another batch of the white stuff should fall from the sky; I've already planned to spend at least one night in a snow cave and one day on the ski hill.