The Blizzard(s) of 2010

The Northeast has seen its share of drastic weather during the past six months — from the first Nor'esters in October 2009, to

three blizzards between December 2009 and February 2010, to now record-breaking heat in the first full week of April 2010.

The worst of the weather for the Philadelphia area came in mid-February with back-to-back blizzards. There was already abo

ut a foot and half on snow on the ground when round two dumped at least that much.

Schools were closed. Area airports were closed. Most offices were closed as employers told workers to stay home.

Even those few who attempted to make it into work were met with closed or restricted roadways.

Although it was tiring and strenuous to dig out and re-dig out after each storm — and few in the area are looking forward to next winter — I weathered the snow rather well.

My employer was one of those who not only told workers to stay at home but started planning to close the office a couple days in advance, so employees could prepare to work from their home offices.

While the plows went to work, I sat on my couch with my laptop and a cup of hot chocolate watching the flakes fall.

The snow had an unexpected side effect, in that it brought most neighbors closer together.

In my condo complex, people worked together to dig out each others' vehicles or shoveled sidewalks before the snow blower crew could come around.

It became evident early on that even if you dug your car out, there was nowhere to go as the area streets were still covered with snow.

People were content to take their time and make small talk while shoveling.

I met more than a dozen of my neighbors during this winter, people I lived near for more than six years but never ran into before the snow fell.

I would prefer not to see another winter with about 79 inches of snow (about 60 inches more than the norm for Philadelphia) but I wouldn't mind being forced to slow down and appreciate my neighborhood a little more.

Posted by Katie Pasek, author of "Sure-foot Sam in Jeopardy." For more information about Katie or Sure-foot, visit www.katiepasek.com.