Sledding on Trench Hill in Fredericksburg is popular any time there's snow. FILE/THE FREE LANCE-STAR Visit the Photo Place

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It's time to thaw out memorable winter tales COLD'S COMING

As forecasts call for a real, serious winter, readers are asked to share winter stories

Date published: 9/21/2008

By Rob Hedelt

WHEN THE words "snow," "cold" and "fun" are mentioned in the same sentence, my thoughts, like most folks', jump to favorite days gone by.

I remember weeks of sledding as a youngster, when so much snow fell that we didn't go back to school for weeks after Christmas.

Weeks in January when it was cold enough for nightly ice skating on ponds and even a stretch of marsh near the river bridge at Tappahannock.

Even a freak ice storm more recently that had our family coming up with every game, outdoor adventure and time filler possible to keep from getting cabin fever.

Almanacs and long-range weather forecasts have mentioned the possibility of a long, tough winter this year--the first in a while. Seems like a good topic for readers to weigh in on.

So let's delve in: Send me memories of winter moments you cherish, whether they be of sledding and skating or special family moments that storms and cold created.

If you've got a winter nightmare tale, or memories of hardships and troubles brought on by cold or stormy winter weather, share that as well.

Trying this out on a few friends, I quickly had a handful of stories that ranged from tobogganing in New England to going crazy at the sight of a first snowfall in Florida.

There were several memories tossed in of holiday gatherings made special by weather that forced families to scramble or improvise.

On the not-so-fun side, I heard about getting trapped in a car on an interstate highway by a snowstorm, and a funny but slightly bitter mention of the horrible snowsuits that parents used to wrap around us.

You can share why you like, hate or simply put up with this thing we call winter.

A few things you must do: Include your full name, whether you are male or female (I don't want to guess), the locality where you live (Stafford County, Bowling Green, etc.) and a daytime phone number where you can be reached if there are questions.

Please use the information in the box included to share your thoughts and memories.

My personal winter moment?

Share your thoughts on best and worst winter moments with Rob by e-mail to rhedelt@free lancestar.com, fax to 540/373-8455 or mail to 616 Amelia St., Fredericksburg, Va. 22401. None can be taken by phone.

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Date published: 9/21/2008