This winter is only slightly different from the ones we experienced as kids. When one is slightly over three feet tall, a foot of white stuff seems monumental and 18 inches is disastrous.

Most people my age will remember snow suits, installed by concerned parents before children could go outdoors. A bathroom call emerged before the door opened.

Gone are the “cloak rooms” in schools, where all the gear was placed until school was out or when “recess” was allowed and it was all layered back on in exchange for a few minutes shivering on the playground.

Recess was often playing dodgeball. “red rover” or musical chairs in the gym. Today, those “games” are frowned upon.

Bundling up is essential, but unbundling may become complicated in a business environment.

Pancake syrup sticks to jacket sleeves and sleeves stick to everything else.

The person who swears mittens are the best protection for hands probably hasn’t dropped car keys in the snow alongside a car and tried to pick them up. Hands wet from retrieving said keys are still cold when they are shoved back into mittens.

A hoodie jacket is awkward, but beanies are bad for hairdos and earmuffs don’t protect the rest of the head. A heavy scarf isn’t a fashion statement.

Sunglasses are necessary. Snow glare is hard on the eyes, but glasses steam up in the car or building.

A large box of tissue is essential in the vehicle, along with every room in the home. Whatever it is, the winter crud isn’t a “common cold,” ”flu-like ailment” or “something going around.” Even a recluse catches it.

If someone hates snowy, cold weather, Mother Nature isn’t listening. She also doesn’t believe anyone who claims to yearn for snow in mid-July. Prayers for more moisture have been heard when the snow falls and cold comes along, even as the days grow longer.

Short periods of sunshine provide some melting, which then creates ice around buildings, parked cars and parking lots. Ice skating is fun but skidding on the way to the trash can isn’t.

Kitty litter makes walking a little easier after ice melt has been applied, but don’t try to recycle the cat box for the same reason one shouldn’t make “snow angels” in a dog park.

Shoveling snow can seem simple, but snow falling from a roof will bury the snow shovel leaned up against the back steps and freeze there. An “avalanche” is possible. Heavy-duty material breaks, so do bones, sunglasses and human dignity.

The youngsters who once made money shoveling snow in the winter seem be extinct. No one comes knocking at the door offering that service.

Looking at the snow, I think of the summer and the farmers. This, too, shall pass.