It's sugar!...with frosting on top

Do you know what we have a lot of in Vancouver? People from Ontario. They go about their business just like Vancouverites do. That is until it snows. Then the Ontarians get down right giddy on us. Oh yeah, they are smiling with twinkling eyes; the whole nine yards. They love the snow, those Ontario peeps. It makes them feel like they are at home.

It seems many people in my life right now are from Ontario, and did I get my fill of their “snow worship” over the last four weeks.

They say “I love the snow – it reminds me of home! Come on Lisa you have to admit... it looks super pretty!”

My reply... “Here’s the deal. If I want snow, I prefer to go to where the snow is: Cypress Mountain, Grouse Mountain, and Whistler. I do not want the snow to come to me!”

For our wonderful American readers let me explain why this has become a column: The city of Vancouver has just endured over a dozen snow falls. We aren’t exactly equipped to deal with so much snow in this town. Many of us who are born and raised here, well it throws us off our game. The Ontario people are busy rambling on about how beautiful, crisp and white everything is, while Vancouverites are using phrases like “hunkering down” cabin fever” and “cancelling plans” and “what about the inevitable flooding”. After the first snowfall, the Ontario transplants heralded the white stuff. After the fifth, some of them admitted they had had enough.

I shouldn’t forget the Albertans, Manitobans and the folk from Saskatchewan. They too were giddy about the snow. Put all of them together in a room with the Ontarians and let the wisecracks fly. There’s nothing these people enjoy more than making fun of us West Coasters in the snow.

But now they know first hand that the snow here is different, and one of the biggest differences is the terrain. We have hills in Vancouver, people, and those hills, coupled with our brand of snow equals cars stuck, and Good Samaritans pushing. I had to come to the rescue of a stranger, struggling up a little hill. I offered to push, and at first he said no. Thirty seconds of spinning tires and he succumbed to my helpfulness. Lucky for me it was a Smart Car!!

Anyway, as of yesterday, some areas of Vancouver are finally snow free. Still lots of snow that's melting away in my hood. Apparently there are several days of sunshine in our forecast. I’d like that. I’d like to see the rest of the snow skip the melting, soupy, flooding stage and just evaporate into the sky.

Here’s a smattering of my snow scenarios: My car was stranded for three weeks (there she is in the photo above), I went through a power outage at home that really screwed up my important computer. I’ve destroyed a delightful pair of Italian faux snow boots, and I’ve been stranded at bus stops and train stations. I did manage to re-develop my gymnastics and track and field skills from my youth in order to jump massive snow soup puddles, and maneuver around the newest lake in Vancouver, Hockey and High Heels Lake outside of my front door, all the while crossing my fingers the lake doesn’t seep into H&HH Headquarters. When I finally did get my car out of the lane, parking it on a busy, clear street so I could drive it again, some idiot drove by and hit my side view mirror, destroying it in the process. Probably a Leafs fan...

Recent Columns

A Woman's Work Jan Snyder has a few words for Alex Semin

See You Around, Trevor Lisa Ovens attends a retirement party.

Olympic Ticket Lottery Fun Lisa talks 2010

Lisa's Holiday Hockey Shopping Gift Guide A few ideas from Lisa

Hockey and Paddington Bear Jan Snyder tells a wonderful story

It's the Kyle Wellwood Show Lisa Ovens writes the script!

Thoughts on Avery, Sundin and Satan Jan Snyder's interesting trio!

Coaches in Costumes Lisa Ovens dresses up NHL coaches for fun!

FSN's Dan Potash Pt One Jan Snyder interviews this popular reporter

FSN's Dan Potash Pt Two

The One Lisa Ovens reports on Yzerman's Olympic future

Season Opener Lisa Ovens examines a few opening week stories

Roamin Through the Globen Jan Snyder covers the Pens in Sweden

Almost Time Jan Snyder gets set for the season

Pens Town Hall Meeting A blow by blow account!

No Mercy Slovakian Women's team likes to score!

Hockey Planets Spins 2008 A little of this and a little of that!

Hordi The on/ off ice Darcy Hordichuk experience

Decisions Decisions Yep, It's about Mats Sundin.

In Memory... Luc Bourdon

Wings, Pens, Jan and Don Playoffs!

Sugar Cookies Playoffs!

Playoff Fashion Issue

Public Service Announcement Playoffs!

A Game Six Weekend Playoffs!

Playoff Report: From Lisa's Sofa Playoffs!

Her Team Nashville Intriguing...

The Playoff Planet Spins

Becoming a Blanket NHL Fan Playoffs!

Happy Birthday to Me!

Recent columns by Jan Snyder

Scott Morrison Part One and Two

Simply Red

But For a Bounce

Sacrifice

Back to Detroit We Go

Mowed Down in Motown Part Two

Mowed Down in Motown Part One

Of Octopi and Penguins

Why We are Here

Pens Come Home and Rule the Roost

Oranged Juiced

Orange Crushed

Talbot Tickles the Twine

Jen's Playoff Report

Flashy Fleury

Crosby's Here!

Thanks to Hossa!

No Donut for You!

Beeeees!

Ooh La La

Donut Time

Ding!Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding!

Open Letter to Lisa

Badger Bob

Jan's Jottings