By Scott Shephard

People in warm climates sometimes ask why people live in cold places like Minnesota, where this photo was taken. There are many answers, most of which are convincing to someone like me. First, it's home and that's generally where family is. Second, if everyone moved to warm climates, place like Honolulu, San Diego and Cancun would be more crowded than they already are. Third, I am concerned that the cold weather apparel and tool industries would collapse. (China's economy is already a bit unsettled!)

A less convincing reason is that we have snow and warm places don't. Yesterday, when I was watching Brian and Glenyce sled down the hill at Minnesota State Fair Grounds, I was thinking that they can't do that in Hawaii. And sometimes, when I walk on freshly fallen snow and hear the crunch under my shoes, I think that someone who has lived in southern California their whole lives has no idea of what they're missing.

And the good thing about snow in the upper plains states is that it will melt away sooner or later. Maybe in May . . . . 

Canon 5DIII 1/250s f/6.7 ISO200 102mm