The only people who will like this are those who mostly revile winter instead of reveling it. I’m pretty sure this is an annual apology on my part to those among us who plow and/or play in or on the white stuff and its nefarious associate, ice. 

I can’t skate and do not snowmobile, ski, or snowboard, and am semi-retired from snowball-making. I can however shovel, and fall, in winter, like a pro. (Layers: The double-edged sword — warmth and padding, at the expense of agility). 

So, the other day, I was on the phone to Santa, as in "Santa Doug," who will be at Sweetz & More in Wiscasset Dec. 1 as part of his interstate pre-holiday appearances. I had been speaking with Sweetz & More owner Steve Jackson about the imminent event and he informed me he had Santa on the line. I was surprised and, after exchanging hellos and my observation Santa sounded like a Southern Santa, all that came out was a request for a green Christmas, and could the green apply to the entire winter? 

Santa laughed; but I would think, being Santa, he will have to do his best, especially a Southern-sounding Santa, who could surely appreciate a green Christmas, with no snow on the roads, or rooftops.

In a November where Midcoast headlights have been met by moths instead of snow spitting, even a winter non-fan would find the lightest of snow reassuring that the seasons can still at times be seasonal. So, OK, either way, Santa. 

Are you a fan of the flakes, a wish-away-er of winter, or a little or lot of both? Whether you celebrate snow or denounce it, we all know it’s coming, like it always does, eventually, unless a Southern-sounding Santa comes through, and is not inundated by counter wishes of white.

Week's positive parting thought: Thankful to you this and every week, readers and advertisers, and an extra thank you for sticking with us as we have labored through replacing our system this fall. We are all more than the technology that is so big in our lives; perseverance on our end and patience and support from you have prevailed, and over several weeks we have been looking more and more like the award-winning news outlets we are and work always to be.