The Slice: Dreaming of a white 2015-16

Winter could still make a comeback.

We all know that. It is only mid-February, after all.

But let’s say it stays relatively mild until spring. What will that imply for life in the Spokane area? Not in the snowpack/natural resources sense. What will it mean for our collective climatic mindset?

I have a guess.

If the weather pretty much remains tame and docile, I think the Inland Northwest will find itself craving a butt-kicking snow season by the time the winter of 2015-16 looms.

Sure, a lot of Spokane area residents are vocal about disrelishing winter. But you know what they say about pent-up urges and absence making the heart grow fonder.

I’m betting that if this winter continues to be a virtual no-show, by next fall even many hibernation fans in our midst will begrudgingly admit it might be nice if kids could build snow forts.

And nothing covers up litter and grime like three inches of fresh powder.

Plus, let’s not forget that we love dogs and dogs love snow.

About 10 months from now, our civic mantra might be “Bring it on.”

Yes, I know. Driving on snow and ice can be a gluteal pain. But there’s more to the season than that, of course.

If not this winter, maybe the next.

If “newshound” was a dog breed: “As a retired news writer and editor, I can assure you it would have a keg around its neck a la the Saint Bernard,” wrote Diana Witherspoon.

Next. “The fanciful breed would have a coveted reporter’s notebook tied around its neck,” wrote Rich Swanson. “Let’s move on.”

Dennis Foster suggested it might be an Ed Asnerish variety of bulldog.

Larrie Waterman said it would have a large nose, huge ears and be yappy.

Then there was this. “In regard to the most distinguishing feature of a canine newshound, I would say it would be a long nose,” wrote Fred Hartwell. “This would be for sniffing out newsworthy stories or its growing to extreme lengths from the Pinocchio effect, a la Brian Williams or Fox News.”

Today’s Slice question: Is the house or apartment where you spent your longest stretch of childhood still there?