Things I've learned about winter and snow

-I've learned how to check the snow on the street-side of the sidewalk to see how far the spray from cars and buses reaches.
-that stairs are always treacherous, up or down, and don't mix well with beer.
-that bus windows frost in delicate, paisley-like etchings of ice, caught in their last swirl.
-that you can squeegee slush from the pavement and that they make special squeegees just for this.
-that leafless birches, otherwise stark and naked, need the snow to be beautiful again.
-that dog shit is at least easier to spot, and thus avoid.
-that Polish drivers care even less where the sidewalk is when they can't see it.
-that sleds are still popular.
-that a warm hat is more important than warm pants.
-that it's actually easier for women to walk in high heels in the snow.
-that sand and snow mixed and churned throughout the day end up bearing a striking resemblance to pastry dough, when you mash in the butter.
-that the tracks of a perfectly-executed three-point turn are strangely compelling and pleasing to the eye.
-that hot cocoa was invented for a reason.