Awfully pretty

One of the nicest things about working an early morning shift is how quiet it can be outside. And when heavy, wet snow has fallen, it’s very pretty.

Today’s clinging snow was so beautiful at 4 a.m. that I didn’t want to get into the cab. I was tempted to walk to WHYY in the middle of the street.

Snow was hugging wrought iron fences, covering fire hydrants, bending trees and enhancing otherwise drab signs on stores.

It had built up on the top of U.S. Mail boxes making them look like R2-D2 with skinny blue legs.

Even those disgusting Big Belly solar trash compactors — which I normally wouldn’t touch with a 10-foot pole — looked pristine in a blanket of snow.

Philadelphia seems to hang on to “the whiteness” longer than other urban centers. Snow blackens quite quickly in New York City and Chicago as gobs of people start trampling on it long before dawn.

But similar to other big cities once snow starts melting, the slush and yuck soon become small lakes and streams that give pedestrians pause, especially at street corners.

While not fond of winter weather, I do like the fact that snow tends to slow us down.

Regardless of what Punxsutawney Phil says next week, I’m sure there will be at least six more weeks of winter around these parts.

So, the next time heavy snow is forecast for overnight, try setting your alarm for 4 a.m., go outside and enjoy the breathtaking peace and quiet — before the aggravation sets in.