How Are Johnston Folks Coping With The Winter That Won't End?

Sure, winter weather is expected when one lives in New England — and snow is definitely part of the equation — but people all around Rhode Island agree that winter 2011 has been particularly barbaric.

How have Johnston residents made the best of an especially snowy winter? People I met around town had plenty to say on the matter.

"It's an excuse to buy cute boots!" said Crystal Tolunde. "My old Uggs from last year have taken such a beating, I had to get another pair so I could rotate them!"

Speaking of beatings, the cars in the area have also suffered this winter.

"At one point, the ice was so bad on Hartford Avenue (that) I skidded into three different cars in as many days," explained David Clancy with a chuckle. "It was total bumper cars out there. You really have to have a sense of humor about it, or you'll go crazy."

Landscaper and general maintenance man, Larry Cordeuro, said he took advantage of the sometimes dangerous weather conditions.

"I don't wish negative on anyone, but so many peoples' roofs have really fallen apart under the weight of all the snow this year, it's been fortunate for me as far as winter work is concerned," Cordeuro said, "and then with the sudden weather changes you have melting, which creates leaks. Let's just say that I haven't had any shortness of business this winter because of it."

While extra snow may be beneficial to Cordeuro from an economic standpoint, it's not so much the case with local businesses.

"People don't want to leave their houses to trudge through this mess," complained Ruth Michaud.  "It's all I can do to get to the grocery store. No one wants to go out and do anything."

Well, not exactly no one.

"I've been going stir crazy beyond words," said Jordan Delvecchio. "I had to take matters into my own hands and make the best of the situation, you know?"

He points to a snow bank — sitting in said snow bank lies a bottle of beer, neatly tucked into the ice.

"I'm going to take it home after work, " explained Delvecchio. "It's just sitting there, chilling until the end of the day."