The First Snow Fall

Well yesterday was the first measurable snowfall where I live. And like every year, the first snowfall is horrific. Horrific because everyone loses their minds! They forget how to drive and all about common courtesy. It’s all about them and getting to that all important destination not a minute late. So like every first snowfall of the year traffic was horrible. There were semi-trucks stuck on ramps because it was too icy for them, cars spun out in ditches because they forgot to slow down and plans missed because people are stuck in traffic.

First measurable snow fall of the year! And the traffic is at a standstill. #snowsucks #firstsnowfall

A photo posted by Shanna Gebhard (@peytonspennypinchingmomma) on Nov 30, 2015 at 7:52am PST

The roads were icy and that meant everyone had to driver slower. It took me over an hour to get to work after dropping my daughter off at school. Normally it’s a 15 minute drive. But I just took my time, listened to the radio and took pictures of the beautiful snow as I sat on the road, not moving an inch, in a line of cars not moving an inch either. You could tell people were stressing about being late. But I just thought, I rather get there in one piece, safely than end up in a ditch.

I saw several cars spun out this morning. I also saw several people helping each other out. Nice to see people helping each other in need. #minnesotanice #firstsnowfall #snowsucks

A photo posted by Shanna Gebhard (@peytonspennypinchingmomma) on Nov 30, 2015 at 8:02am PST

But one thing I saw this time that I haven’t seen much of before was people helping each other! It made my heart sing with joy seeing people help one another in times of need. Not too often do I see that any longer. But several times I saw people with trucks helping to pull out mini vans and SUVs out of the ditches. That touched my heart. Especially when I would see it was a mom with her young kids. I’ve been stuck in a ditch before and someone helped pull me out. It is one of the kindest things a stranger can do for you in the winter. I was so incredibly thankful.

If the snow wasn’t so beautiful it wouldn’t be worth leaving the house. #firstsnowfall

A photo posted by Shanna Gebhard (@peytonspennypinchingmomma) on Nov 30, 2015 at 7:59am PST

So as we embark on our winter adventure together I encourage you to remember to drive safe. Slow down. Wear your seatbelt and make sure your family does too. Allow extra time. Remember, whatever you are heading to can wait. And be kind to others.