Hit or Miss business

Our weather folks did a wonderful job mapping out where the warnings and watches were, who 'should' be getting the heaviest snowfall totals, and sharing all the necessary details our customers needed to know about this new year snow storm.

Kudos to AJ, Betsy, Hollie, and Bruce!

It's hard to do.

From my end of it, I was lucky.

As an assignment editor (and a traveler), I skated by pretty easily with this latest storm.

Friday was like any other day, for the most part.

We had snow. My two reporters were on 'snow patrol' but, at least during my shift, there was nothing 'out of the ordinary.'

No horrendous accidents, no road closings, no airport shutdowns, no planes sliding off runways, no weather-related medical calls.

And considering we have our new and improved I-Alert school closing system, we really had minimal calls from administrators asking for help. They seem to understand the upgraded system. On our end, it is a dream. When I did get school folks calling in, I was able to assist them within seconds! We still need to work out a few bugs, but so far, so good!

The scanners were slow and quiet most of the night.

I even stayed late. We had a 'scheduling snafu.' There was no one scheduled to relieve me. Though I was not required to stay, I wound up staying about 3 extra hours (no charge!) past the end of my shift 'just in case' something happened with the weather (being the dedicated employee I am!!). Nothing!

After hearing there could be 'gloom and doom,' I was a bit anxious at how the roads would be once I did leave the newsroom.

It took me only 10-15 minutes extra to get home. What a dream. At times, the roads were a bit slick, but I was not 'white knuckling' it at all. Getting up a few hills I encounter were fine. And when I got home, I was able to maneuver around my neighborhood, which is usually impossible during big snow storms.

The worst of it: my driveway! Our plow guys never came until Sunday!

Stay warm, stay safe this winter season! And tune into Channel 3 News and wkyc.com for the most accurate weather coverage from all of our forecasters!!!!!

Weekly Feature: Hidden Gems

Today's Hidden Gem: Ohio's Changing Seasons

Sometimes we take the changing seasons for granted. Other times we groan when our less-liked season approaches.

It is November 6, 2008 and still in the 70's. Sitting on my porch draped in the sun's grasp, the sweat beads begin forming on my brow. Then driving around from neighborhood to neighborhood, the trees a true sign of the greatness of a higher being and Mother Nature's grasp.

Each tree, clutching the one just beside it, forms a perfect rainbow of all the colors in the spectrum. Each tree, each leave --a different shade and color. No two alike.

I've said this before and I'll say it again (even in January and February)--I'd rather live in a city with the changing seasons than a city with no seasons at all!

I have family down in Florida. My best friend currently lives in Tampa, Florida. I will never get over the concept and the visuals of being in Florida in December wearing shorts and flip flops, surrounded by decorated palm trees and Santa Claus in his bathing suit! I may need a therapy session to get the vision of Santa in his skivee's out of my head. The seasons divide the year into four sections, based on the periodic weather changes.

We are currently experiencing Autumn (yet more like Indian Summer). Autumn skates into Winter, which catapults into Spring and then Summer.

Each season has its own beauty, its own character, and depending on what exact time of the season, each is 'my favorite!'

This particular time when the trees still have all their leaves and their amazing array of colors is my favorite Autumnal moment.

Then we experience those 'snow globe' memories when the snow flakes (no two are alike) coat the earth with a fine covering making you think you are a scene from 'It's a Wonderful Life' or 'White Christmas.'

Mom had a great point about Spring the other day. The cold weather is getting to her but she still loves the changing seasons. I asked her if Spring is her favorite? She said actually no. During the beginning of Spring, the earth is still dead, the grass is brown and flowers have not yet awaken. Towards the end of Spring is when this season really comes to life.

And then Summer, for me, is great! At times, Cleveland can get way too hot and humid. But I exude that 'tropical' feel!

Yes, we truly are lucky to be able to experience all four seasons through the course of each year.

Hopefully, you can find a glimmer during each season and learn to enjoy and celebrate what we have right in our own backyards!!

As we slide from season to season, I hope you too, will see why I've chosen Ohio's Changing Seasons as this week's Hidden Gem!