It's easy for the TV news people to urge people stay home when the snow flies. And, in fact, computers and high-speed Internet connections make this an option for an increasing number.

But there are many others - public safety personnel, letter carriers, nurses and doctors, those who work in retail or other service jobs, those who gather the news, and, of course, those whose job it is to keep the streets clear, who must get to work even when the forecast calls for heavy snow at the start of the day as was the case Monday.

Despite the heavy precipitation and slippery roads, the vast majority managed to get where they needed to go - and home again at the end of the day.

It's just snow we're talking about after all, a form of precipitation New Englanders have been dealing with for a lot longer than there's been anyone around to record the weather or sound the alarm.

One other observation: Meteorology is an inexact science and likely not part of the curriculum for those who aspire to the top ranks of our school systems.

There was some sentiment that, given the forecast, all schools in the North of Boston region could have called off classes Sunday night instead of waiting until Monday morning, allowing parents more time to arrange for child care.

But superintendents are wary. There have been times when the snow that's been forecast turns out to be all rain or, as happened last month, the predicted bad weather turns into a full-blown nor'easter, making for a difficult trek home. In either case the superintendent is the dope who called off school for no reason or endangered kids' safety by having them come to school despite the ominous forecast. Parents might show a little more patience with those who must make these difficult calls, and a little more tolerance for the occasional mistake.