The Baltimore Panic

It may be March second but today we woke up to a 6 to 8 inch blanket of the white stuff; the first significant snow of this winter. Of course schools were closed, many people stayed home and yesterday's rush for the snow storm essentials was evident at the grocery stores.

Since my arrival here in the Mid-Atlantic region of the country there has always stood out to me a practice by the locals that has kept me wondering why? It seems that when a major winter storm is forecast, people here flock to the stores to buy bread, eggs, and toilet paper. I've fondly labeled it as the great Baltimore panic.

Now having grown up in New England and experiencing my more than average share of storms, I can't remember these things being the most sought after items. It's important to remember that when you are snowed in as a result of a storm, it's always wise to have on hand items that won't spoil.

Of course, in my 30 plus years here, I can only remember being snowed in just one time, at which time we raided the pantry and survived nicely. The toilet paper, on the other hand, continues to be essential regardless of the weather.