The term Eskimo is a common term that can refer to several indigenous people from the northern parts of Canada, Alaska and Siaberia. They have a short stocky build and light brown skin tones. The barrel chest and short arms and legs helps minimize heat loss in the extreme cold of the Artic circle.
It is estimated that the Inuit and Eskimos have over 100 words to describe snow. The words describe the type of snow, the rate of the snow fall and the drifting and blowing of the snow.
They use these terms to convey their environment. The intensity, rate and wind conditions are conveyed for survival information.
The Eskimo show affection by rubbing one’s nose on another’s cheek. This was seen by early explores as an Eskimo kiss. The area of the nose, cheek and eyes are exposed for short periods. The moisture of lips could freeze in the sub zero temperatures.
The Inuit carved figures and animals from daily life. The carvings were made from ivory, bone and in later years soft rocks like soapstone was used. The totem may represent a family or clan. They live in extended family groups. A village would have less than one hundred people.
Back to the snow conditions here in Michigan. As a result of global warming of the lake water, the covering of ice has not yet formed. Winds traveling over the open bodies of water, picks up moisture and releases it as snow on the lake shore. This snow is known as lake effect snow. The narrow bands of heavy snow can can occur up to 100 miles inland. We live 46 miles from Lake Michigan, well within the snow bands. The prediction of colder weather and north west winds will add to more snow covering.
So much for Punxsutawney Phil, the local ground hog’s prediction for an early spring . He may be! Snow cover has been in our area since the start of January. The deer that come to feed in our yard backs are covered with a light coating of snow. Squirrels run down a trough of snow from the trees to the bird seeds. Snall birds pick at the suet cakes for needed fat. At least they can get a drink of water from the heated basin.
I sit at my kitchen table, watching the snow while drinking a cup of hot brew. By today’s weather, winter’s icy grip is here through the end of the month. Maybe there is a reason there is a local town named Alaska.
***. poem
Whirling Dervish
Quiet still
wind blows downhill
deer huddle in the pines
hunger pushes food to find
snowflakes swirl around yard
icicles shatter into shards
squirrels dig for seeds
hunger,jo a constant need
carolaspot copyrighted 2/17/25
traveling up and down the blind highway 