The Slice: Truly rugged or just piling on?

One entertaining aspect of working in downtown Spokane is the opportunity it affords to monitor the variability of local snowfall amounts.

Let me explain. Because cars and trucks wind up downtown that spent the previous night in all sorts of different places and elevations, you get to see that some parts of the Spokane area got a couple of inches while others apparently received just a dusting.

I say apparently because there are, of course, motorists who park in garages at night while others brush off their cars before setting out in the morning.

But here’s the thing. Certain vehicles have so much snow on them that I have been forced to become a conspiracy theorist.

Here goes. I think some area residents are getting out shovels and piling extra snow on their rigs before they head for downtown.

Why? Who knows. Montana envy, maybe. Or perhaps they just want to project an image of wintry ruggedness.

If you have done this and want to confess, give me a call. I’ll try to get you the help you need.

All you have to do to be a nonconformist in Spokane is … : “Wear a coat and tie,” said Richard Strauch. “To church.”

“Lose weight or trade the pick-up truck for a car,” said Mike Altig.

“Use your turn signals,” said Pat Cunningham.

“Be a liberal,” said Jeff Brown.

“Wear clothes that fit,” said Helen Bruce.

“Not root for Gonzaga,” said Tim Osborn.

Pep talk: It has come to my attention that some good people who will be bringing a green bean casserole to extended-family Thanksgiving gatherings consider their contribution peripheral to the main event.

I’m here to say that’s not necessarily so.

Sure, the turkey and pies are traditionally cast as the stars of the show. And the dressing and sweet potatoes have plenty of fans.

But a green bean casserole – a really good green bean casserole – can be a marvelous thing. When done right, this supporting player can be a side dish where vegetable and cheese practically sing “Happy Together.”

So if that’s what you bring to the table, buck up. Take some pride. Thanksgiving wouldn’t be the same without you.

Today’s Slice question: About what is Spokane in the deepest denial?