I drove to the store yesterday. The roads were clear, the shelves were well stocked with the necessities of life: toilet paper, bread and milk. I was inclined to fill my cart; after all, this was the beginning of winter. Surely, there would be many snow storms ahead. Then I remembered; "We're not in Kansas anymore."

Actually, I've never lived in Kansas. I have, however, lived in a Midatlantic state, where even rumor of an impending storm sends hordes dashing to the supermarket for those all important items: toilet paper, bread and milk. Snow shovels make the short list, too, but they're gone within a few hours of the dreaded weather report. Kids know that school will be canceled and ready their sleds and tobbogans, even though there probably won't be enough snow to make a successful run. And, forget leaving the neighborhood, if the white stuff reaches any measurable depth. The coveted snow plows are pressed into service for highways and main thoroughfares only. Otherwise, you're on your own - hence the toilet paper panic. I emailed pictures of this first snowfall of the season to my friends on the east coast and they responded with wonder.

To the person, each asked if I was able to get out to the store. I smiled. Yes, I told them. I made it out. And, on the way back home, I stopped at K-mart and drove across town to the hardware store (where they still had plenty of snow shovels) and then picked up a video and some Chinese takeout. Then I sat by the window and watched the kids next door, sleds dragging behind them, heading off to play.

This being the first real snowfall since our move back to Wisconsin, I figure that we're still in the honeymoon phase and, by winter's end, my husband will tire of his new snow blower and I'll be sick of toweling off wet dogs countless times during the day. However, until then, I'll just sit back and enjoy the snow.