The first real storm of the winter has started. It’s Tuesday afternoon and I have been shoveling already. There’s another 15-20 centimeters on the way.

Snow isn’t the problem. It is the freezing rain and ice pellets that are coming overnight. The online “snow day predictor” tells me there’s a 99% school buses will be cancelled Wednesday.

At least, that was the first site I checked. The second one said it was only a 75% chance, while the third put it at only 47%. I can only assume whomever is responsible for the third site doesn’t consult the weather forecast.

Of course, employers will expect staff to show up for work. I shudder at what public transit will be like in the morning. I wonder if there is a light rail predictor – our trains usually break down in the snow. As do many of our buses.

The comic may have it right. The central question in North American politics this year may be “what does it mean for Donald Trump.” Little things, like snowstorms, may turn out to be important.

I’ve ignored Trump in this space the past couple of years. I mentioned him once last year, not at all in 2022. That will change in this, a presidential election year.

I’d say the man fascinates me, but that would be true. What fascinates me is the reaction of the American people, the adulation by many of a man who apparently holds them in contempt.

So buckle up, as together we will on occasion this year explore the dark side of Amerika (and yes, I spelled it that way deliberately).

Today though, I’m going to watch the snow come down. And then go out to do some more shoveling.

Trump will always be there tomorrow. Unless he winds up in jail.