Summary

The author, acclimatized to warm weather in South Africa, shares personal anecdotes of experiencing snow in the UK and Johannesburg, reflecting on the beauty and challenges of cold weather and snowfall, while preferring to admire it from a warmer climate.

Abstract

The article titled "Call Me a Snowflake — I Cannot Tolerate Bitter Cold Weather" is a personal narrative by an author who, despite being born in the UK, has grown accustomed to the warmer climate of South Africa. The author recounts their discomfort during a winter visit to the UK in 1972 and fond memories of playing in the snow on Hampstead Heath in 1955 and in Johannesburg in 1962 and 1981. Admiration for the unique beauty of snowflakes and snowy landscapes is tempered by the discomfort of cold weather and the lack of appropriate winter attire during unexpected snowfalls in Johannesburg. The author also touches on the impact of climate change on snow patterns, mentioning the US and European experiences with extreme weather, and concludes by affirming a preference for sunny South Africa over the cold. Additionally, the author learned about the term "snowbirds," referring to people who migrate south for warmer winter climates, and shares links to related articles about the sea and coastal landscapes.

Opinions

The author has a deep appreciation for the aesthetic beauty of snowflakes and snowy scenery but prefers not to endure the cold that comes with it.
Memories of childhood snow experiences are cherished, but the author emphasizes the discomfort and lack of preparedness for snow in Johannesburg.
There is a sense of wonder at the intelligence behind nature's creation of snowflakes, attributing it to a divine Creator.
The author acknowledges the effects of climate change, noting unusual weather patterns and their implications for snowbirds and ski resorts.
Despite the allure of snow, the author chooses to stay in sunny climates, enjoying the warmth and avoiding the bitterness of cold weather.

Call Me a Snowflake — I Cannot Tolerate Bitter Cold Weather

I prefer to admire snow from a distance — like sunny South Africa!

A bunch of snowflakes (Image by Calgary Reviews on wikimedia commons)

I’m so acclimatized to the weather here that when I visited the UK, my country of birth, in the middle of winter back in 1972, I froze despite there being no snow — only sleet!

That doesn’t mean I don’t admire snowy mountains and valleys, and the lattice of hexagonal rings of snowflakes, none of which are the same. What intricate magnificence nature provides us! How marvelous is the intelligence of our Creator who conjures up such ingenious splendor for us to witness?

A fond memory I cherish is of walking in the snow with my dad and brother on Hampstead Heath eons ago, around 1955, when I was a cute little girl not yet spoiled with the warm weather of my adopted country, South Africa. I recall giggling as we threw snowballs at one another.

My next encounter with snow was in Johannesburg in August 1962 — a rare occurrence. School close early after being allowed to run onto the playing fields to build snowmen and throw snowballs. One girl nearly got knocked out by a snowball because somebody had packed a snowball too tight — it was more of a giant hailstone!

The chilly weather didn’t bother me because we were physically active, but my walk home afterward was unpleasant. We weren’t used to snowy weather, so I had no gloves, scarf or beanie to keep me warm — just a jersey and school blazer.

By the time I reached home, my hands resembled frozen fish fingers from gripping my school case and took a while to thaw! My lips were numb from the frigid air, so I couldn’t talk — comparable to when you’ve had a novocaine injection at the dentist.

I don’t have photos of either of those snow-filled events, but the next time it snowed in Johannesburg in September 1981, I had my own SLR camera and took a few pics. I don’t have the negatives to reprint, so the color has faded.

Driving in the snow was a new experience — Photo by Author

Me and two workers outside our shopfitting workshop — Photo by Author

Arriving home at end of workday — Photo by Author

It snowed again in the Johannesburg CBD (Central Business District) on 7 August 2012 but not in Randburg where I worked and lived — though we experienced below freezing temperatures!

I learned another meaning for snowbirds when doing research on an article I was writing for Newsbreak in 2021 about the snow in Texas that year.

It’s a term used in the US for folks who go south for the winter to warmer areas, such as Florida.

The bomb cyclone over the US and Canada just before Christmas brought freezing temperatures as far south as Florida. With the changing climate, snowbirds may have to look further afield for warmer weather.

In Europe ski resorts have closed due to lack of snow — the continent has experienced some of the highest January temperatures on record.

We do well here with floods and droughts but not so hot with snow — except in the mountains.

I’ll stay on the sunny side of the street with Jon Batiste and admire the snow’s majesty from afar!

Thank you Dr. Preeti Singh for allowing me to share my rare experiences with snow!

Snow Makes The Earth Glitter And Sparkle With A Fluffy White Blanket

Nature Prompt Second week of Jan 2023

medium.com

Here a some tales of the sea that I enjoyed reading

Marta Henriques expresses her love for the sea:

The Serene Sea

This week’s prompt for the first week of January Reciprocal

medium.com

Dr. Fatima Imam shares her wonderful photos of rock formations on the coast of Taipei:

Geological Landscape that Looks Otherworldly

All courtesy of the majestic mixture of seawater, wave, and winds.

medium.com