Observations of Portland in winter.

2004-01-06 at 2:32 p.m.

After walking the new pup on some significant walks these past two days, I have noticed some aspects of Portlandian behavior in snow.

Organized chaos. Every block has at least one car parked halfway in the driveway and halfway in the street, abandoned there when a driver realized that they were going no further until the snow either melted or the laws of physics ceased.
Hope springs eternal. Most people can't get their cars out of their on-street parking spaces, even the Trimet buses have had to put chains on their tires and thus can go no faster than 25 miles per hour, and yet everyone on my block put out their garbage and recycling.
Experience helps. I'm quite glad I didn't throw out or send home my Chicago King High Kamayaya Uber Death Jacket, nor the Big Red dog coat we got for the Jupester; the new pup appreciated having the Polar-Tec coat on, and I could walk her forever in my down-filled goodness.
Snow shovel optional. I have seen the following items used in lieu of a snow shovel: Garden spade, push broom, cardboard, two-by-four, child's toboggan, snow-ball fight.
Tire chains not so optional. Despite what some Camry owners may think, if the roads ain't plowed, you ain't goin' nowhere. Admittedly, I had never seen tire chains before yesterday, but now I can't believe that locals think they can drive without them in this snow. Your little beer can of a car is going to have its wicked way with you, my friend.