Brushing Off a Rochester Winter

Ah, Rochester winters.

The kind of cold that bites your nose, chews your fingers, and makes you question every life choice that led you here—or keeps you here.

western new york winter

And then there’s the snow—the relentless, heavy, "wet cement" kind that buries your car like a fossil.

I had a showdown with my snow-covered car. It was maybe 8 degrees, just warm enough to mock me.

There’s a technique to this, a mix of art and science perfected over years of frosty mornings.

First, start the car. This is where winter loves to mess with you. Car batteries have a knack for dying just when you need them most.

Next, the windshield. Clear just enough to see through, and you’re golden—for now.

Then the roof—because nobody likes being pelted with snow missiles on the highway.

Finally, those stubborn mirrors and lights. Don’t forget the crevices. I know, easier said than done.

But here’s the thing: the real enemy isn’t the snow. You get used to that. It’s the ice. That invisible, soul-crushing layer welded to your windows.

You scrape, you swear, you question your life choices. And just when you think you’re done, your cheap plastic scraper snaps in half. Happens to me at least once every winter.

Western New Yorkers know winter isn’t just a season—it’s a reality check. You will slip, fall, claw your way back up, and soldier on. It’s what we do.

Winter teaches us resilience, no matter how warped our outlook gets.

For those in warmer places, what’s your equivalent? And my fellow winter warriors, what’s your snow-clearing strategy?

Let me know in the comments at jamesbrowntv.substack.com.

On that note, I’m James Brown, and as always, be well.