“Katherine,” a friend recently observed, “You’re a pleasant person to be around, but I can see you’re not someone to be trifled with.”

Well, Old Man Winter has messed with me long enough. I will allow 100 words to gripe and then return to my pleasant self.

The triflings:

1. A 360 spin on top of Tollgate.

2. One week of flu.

3. Missing a turn during a white-out and becoming snowbound. I appreciated the timely arrival of Mike’s Towing, but that cash layout hurt.

4. Getting high-centered in my snow and ice covered driveway four times.

5. Slipping and falling when I walked in frustration to an appointment.

6. Missing my friends because snow berms prohibited parking.

7. Being trapped in the house with a tornadic terrier and a moody shepherd dog because below zero weather kept us inside.

Okay, so that was 90 words.

In spite of all this, however, I am grateful for:

1. Heidi Muller’s song, “In Wallowa.” I played this several times to avoid loading up my car and leaving. (That my vehicle was stuck in the snow was irrelevant at that moment.) The refrain, “We’re sticking it out in Wallowa” was quite apropos.

2. Neighbors who helped dig me out on more than one occasion.

3. Larry at Sports Corral placing newly purchased snow cleats on my boots. (My hands weren’t strong enough.)

4. Friends who brought me soup.

5. People who were mindful to stay home when they had a cold so as not to share it.

6. Lots of time to write.

7. The local Facebook community.

8. Dependable people from Grain Growers who kept my propane tank full.

9. Joyful reunions with friends at Safeway when I dashed out between storms to restock.

10. Bouncing calves cavorting around their mothers along the highway between Joseph and Enterprise.

11. A sneak-away to Imnaha to see if Spring might be coming. Saw robins!

12. Reported sightings of first buttercups.

A t-shirt should be designed with these words on front “Survivor– Wallowa Winter 2017.” On the back it could read “Are you tough enough?”

Speaking of tough, last week my 102 year old grandmother’s sister, whom I called Aunt Carrie, passed away.

She never had children of her own, and was widowed at a young age. As a Southern lady to the nth degree, she had strong opinions (think Miss Daisy) and certain expectations of how young girls should grow up ladylike and proper. I was a consternation to her at times, but she taught me so much about determination, strength of character, and doing the right thing.

She was a classy dresser and at 100 years old sent a letter to Jergens crediting her lifelong beauty to using their lotion since she was 13 years old.

Aunt Carrie helped raise three generations of children. When she was hospitalized recently and family called, she insisted, “Don’t worry about me. I’m fine.”

Remembering her only brings a smile. She was tough all right, a real Steel Magnolia.

Katherine Stickroth is a freelance writer who blogs at awallowagal.com.

Old Man Winter has messed with me long enough