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[Georgiagrama]

I absolutely cannot believe some of the unkind remarks directed to the South in general over the mess this cold weather has caused. No one expected what happened and it was only predicted to be a light sprinkling of snow in Atlanta, with an ice storm further South. Everything happened so fast until it really caught people off guard. I've read some of the most unkind remarks imaginable about Southerners. I really don't think anyone, anywhere, is really prepared or trained to drive on black ice and that's what happened in Atlanta. At least people were willing to help each other in any way they could, sharing food, water and even opening their homes to strangers.
We may not know how to drive on ice in the South (why should we, it's a rare event), but we do know how to treat each other kindly. I just think that it is unfair to be referred to as an ignorant hick because we aren't prepared for a few days of freezing cold weather and ice.

Just a rant I guess, so please don't take this post the wrong way or personally. We at least sympathize with anyone who suddenly has to deal with the heat that we deal with for 8 months out of the year, we don't make fun of them.

[gazelle77]

Here in Seattle, we are just like you. It is a mess with just an inch of snow. People make fun of us too!

[StylishLady]

Made it to the low 60's here today, but rain this afternoon prevented me from getting any yard work done. Feel sorry for those folks tied up in traffic back north.

[traveler]

I have been reading stories about Atlanta schoolkids trapped on buses and spending night in school later. Of parents caught in traffic 24 hours after trying to drive to schools. Wow

[conlt]

I am from Massachusetts but I live in Florida now. What people don't understand is the cities and towns do not have access to sand and plows like the Northern people do. So when it snows, it is a big deal. My sister, who lives in Massachusetts still, teases me about being cold but I can guarantee her I can spin circles around her when it is hot and humid. We get used to where we live. We are better equipped in the South for the heat, that is why we don't hear of many people dying of heat exhaustion in the south like we see on TV when there is a heat wave in the North. We simply have air conditioned buildings everywhere and good air conditioning, just like the Northerno people have snow plows, salt, and sand to deal with the ice and snow.

[Pandalady]

Hi Retired08! I just wanted to come by as a fellow "Georgian" to tell you, "Thank you" for posting this. I've lived here my whole life and I remember "snow jam '82" and how I was stuck in it for 3 hours. I also think it is unfair to receive all of the negative publicity this week. The energy would be much better spent with thoughts of those stuck in traffic that they get home with their families soon.

[Georgiagrama]

On 1/29/2014 gazelle77 said: Here in Seattle, we are just like you. It is a mess with just an inch of snow. People make fun of us too!

I guess I just don't understand. Bad weather is bad weather no matter where you are or how equipped or ill equipped you are to deal with it.

[4OU2]

I feel for you guys. We get extreme heat and extreme winter conditions. Our city is pretty small and hasn't the budget for all that snow plowing equipment, even though we know we will have some really bad icing and snow. We just do the best with what we have. With all the crazy weather we've all seen in recent years, we all had better come up with some plans for the worst that can happen. Spring will be coming soon and we should all be preparing for those types of storms. Our planet is trying to tell us something.

[Georgiagrama]

On 1/29/2014 conlt said: I am from Massachusetts but I live in Florida now. What people don't understand is the cities and towns do not have access to sand and plows like the Northern people do. So when it snows, it is a big deal. My sister, who lives in Massachusetts still, teases me about being cold but I can guarantee her I can spin circles around her when it is hot and humid. We get used to where we live. We are better equipped in the South for the heat, that is why we don't hear of many people dying of heat exhaustion in the south like we see on TV when there is a heat wave in the North. We simply have air conditioned buildings everywhere and good air conditioning, just like the Northerno people have snow plows, salt, and sand to deal with the ice and snow.

Thank you conlt!!

[Georgiagrama]

On 1/29/2014 panda lady said:

Hi Retired08! I just wanted to come by as a fellow "Georgian" to tell you, "Thank you" for posting this. I've lived here my whole life and I remember "snow jam '82" and how I was stuck in it for 3 hours. I also think it is unfair to receive all of the negative publicity this week. The energy would be much better spent with thoughts of those stuck in traffic that they get home with their families soon.

You are very welcome. It's a shame that there are those from colder climates who make fun of us, but, they are moving down here in droves.

There are so many people helping those who are still stranded. Georgia is a good state to live in and I wouldn't leave here for anything.