I can definitely say I'm tired today. After spending 5 hours cutting though a combination of snow and ice only to have my car unable to climb a snowy hill, combined with a 2-hour trip on foot to the grocery store, I can appreciate various things that I often overlook in a new way.

1. SUV's. As much as I don't like the cost of gasoline, t'were the hummer-owners who go the last laugh today. I can see why many families consider the big van / SUV a 'must have'. City-dwellers have a different problem, but if you're in the suburbs or beyond, it makes a big difference owning or knowing someone who owns an SUV. Most of the time it's not much of a benefit, but in a snowstorm like this it is invaluable.
2. Snow blowers. Probably not the best use of gasoline. However, 30 inches of snow over any significant area (not to mention a repetition thereof) moves beyond what I think I could handle with a shovel. Walking through town made me thankful they have 'em.
3. Refrigerators and dehydrated/dry goods. Dehydrated stuff isn't as good for you. But then again, toting 50 lbs a few miles in the snow isn't either, probably. I'd choose dry goods over miserable hikes any day. Likewise for the icebox; fresh is nice but there are only so many hours in the day...
4. Rock salt. I don't like what it does to runoff (or snow) - makes it all dirty and nasty - but man it is nice to have when your house faces the north. Iced up walkway? Not anymore. Compressed snow/ice? Breaks it in a couple of hours.
5. Being young. Seriously though, if I were a bit older, this might not have been a possible day. Youth is good for something, it seems.
6. Progressive shoveling. You think, 'Well, I don't have to go anywhere this weekend...' but really, unless you are a hermit, you will need to leave some time before the snow melts. Progressive shoveling (shoveling every few inches) makes the work lighter and frankly, keeps you from maddening idleness. That's a double plus.
7. Internet, email, phones. Being in contact when you can't otherwise be in contact? You win this round, internet and phones.
8. Living on a main road. Sure, getting snow plowed into your car is trouble, but actually getting the road plowed? Can't complain about that.
9. Having a snow-worthy car. Whether it is because my tires are actually not all-weather or because my car is too light, I can't be sure. Regardless, it would be nice if a half-inch of snow did not stop me entirely from moving. Maybe... snow chains for my car? IS that too retro?

I'm sure there are others. Also, I can't help but enjoy the photo opportunities. Now if we could only resume our usual schedules... but that won't happen. We're getting another storm in a few days.