When I moved down South to the Carolinas to live the beach life and flee from the Colorado winters I never imagined I would see images like this again. I thought my days of shoveling snow and driving in icy cold conditions were in my rear view mirror.

I was more than happy to trade in my snow boots for flip-flops, however, last night’s storm proved me wrong.

I felt like a kid again anticipating the first snowflake and remembering that excitement in my parents’ living room, waiting and waiting. And then there it was! Just like when I was little. It was pure magic watching the snow fall from our kitchen window as my son and I whipped up some homemade chicken noodle soup. I dug out my dusty old boots and my big heavy puffer jacket and grabbed the dogs for an evening stroll through the neighborhood. Much to my surprise, my little Finnie girl was not impressed.

Gone are the days of frolicking in the snow at Sloan’s Lake, which seemed not too long ago. It used to make me giggle when she would come in from outside covered in snow with a big grin, Yes, dogs do grin.

But my little girl has been beached. She is now quite the southern belle who prefers sand over snow and taking long naps on the porch. Despite that, we took the pups downtown so we could experience the winter wonderland by the river.

It is very rare for Wilmington to experience a snowstorm of this magnitude but with the storm affecting so many southern states it was a little glimmer of rarity that broke up the monotony of life. Why not enjoy it and appreciate the beauty and tranquility of the snow. Images flocked the internet as my friends and neighbors shared snow pictures of the beach and using surf boards as sleds. I love this community and how people come together, even if it’s just laughing together over an unexpected winter event.

Wilmington residents are no strangers to hurricane-force winds and coastal rains but snow is a whole different story. Even the historic Jewell House seemed to sparkle under the frosty glow.

So we strolled the streets and walked the riverwalk as the snow blanketed our little beach town last night. There was no chatter, no loud noises, just quietness. That’s one thing I love about snow, everything becomes quiet and still, even just for a moment.