In most of the anecdotes of snow-related catastrophes on the island, Guterson uses the opportunity to remind us of the folksy nature of this small-town community. Identify some of those instances.

The little girl's teacher took her to the doctor for her broken arm; the chimney fire which called out the volunteer fire department put itself out and the owner was delighted that his flue was burned clean. The bus driver gave each child a piece of gum after walking them all home; the doctor's wife gave him two aspirins and made him go to bed; rowdy teens throw snowballs for entertainment; the store owner offers free coffee to compensate for slipping customers.