So what exactly were the candies I was expecting to see?  Well, my list goes something like this:

Squirrel Nut Chews	Wax Soda Pop	Bubblegum Cigars
Atomic FireBalls	Wax Lips	Mint Julep's

These particular candies bring back a sweet memory of hot summer days, walking to the corner store (usually barefoot to the dismay of my mother) and standing in front of the penny candy trying to decide just how to spend that nickle or dime that was burning a hole in my pocket.  After much deliberation, I’d pay the lady behind the counter and she would put those sweet treats into a small brown paper bag.  Then began the walk back home, paper bag clutched in my hand, as I tried to resist the temptation to indulge in just one piece before getting home.  Sometimes I would make it, but more often than not I’d pause in my trek and choose one of the sugary treasures to pop in my mouth long before I got there.

What about you? Do you remember penny candy? If so, what were your favorites? Share them here in the comment section or reminisce in the Boomer Voices section.

Still, with so much snow on the ground, and school cancellations in effect, I couldn’t help but recall the memories of my own childhood snow days.

A snow day was better than a holiday because it came unexpectedly, perhaps negating that spelling test or math quiz that we all were dreading. Those of us that had to be dragged out of bed on normal school mornings could be found sitting by the television or radio well before our alarms went off, listening intently to the listing of school districts, practically holding our breath in anticipation. It was music to our ears when the DJ or news anchor called out our school. Fist pumping, happy dances and shouts of joy were performed in celebration before rushing to the kitchen to grab breakfast.

Ah yes, the advent of a snow day turned even the most reluctant riser into an early bird. A bowl of cereal was quickly devoured and then we began the process of getting ready to head out into the snow. Long johns and sweaters, snow pants, scarves, mittens, hats, heavy wool socks, bread wrappers on each foot to make sure the snow that got into the snow boots didn’t make it to our feet. Last but not least, the winter jacket, which was more like a parka.

Yes, we probably did resemble the Stay-Puft marshmallow man.

We were ready to head out into the snow to build snow forts guarded by snow men, go sledding on the nearest snow bank, and have massive snow ball fights. We took breaks only for lunch and a bathroom break and then we were back outside. And by the time it began to get dark and our parents called us inside, we were covered in snow.

Our cheeks were rosy from the cold, but underneath all of that protective gear we were sweating. We dug into our dinner, ravenously hungry from all the activity and by the time bedtime rolled around there wasn’t the normal battle for five more minutes because our eyes were already drooping with exhaustion.

Do kids still spend their snow days that way? Do you have winter weather memories? If so, please leave a comment or share your own story in the Boomer Voices section.