Things are finally starting to get back to normal in the Twin Cities.
Temperatures are rising and the snow and ice are giving up ground. Many stores are up and running and even some long-haul trucks have been able to make it in and restock the depleted shelves.
More and more folks are emerging from last week's winter hibernation. Some, we're sure, plan to wait just a bit longer.
The storm that began last Sunday was something we don't see very often in these parts, piling up a foot or more of snow in some areas and setting a record low temperature for Texarkana.
There were car wrecks, power outages, water disruptions, collapsed buildings and carports from heavy snow accumulation. But all in all, most made it through pretty well.
A lot of that is due to our friends and neighbors who braved the storm to keep the city safe and running. Police, fire and ambulance personnel. Hospital staff. Road crews. Electric, water and gas utility workers. The folks who came in to work and kept pharmacies and gas stations and grocery stores and a few restaurants open.
We're missing a few, but you get the drift.
Everyday heroes. The kind who don't get a lot of credit most of the years. But when something like this storm comes, then we see just how much we depend on them.
We salute you. Your dedication made this easier for everyone.