It was my fault. I did it. You can blame me. Last week, I wished in my column that it would snow and voila — South Whidbey was coated with up to six inches of the white stuff on Saturday morning.

Now, I realize that not everyone rejoices the arrival of this seasonal wonder like I do. It seems the very mention of snow sets people to grumbling about the prospects of navigating slippery roads and shivering through power outages. And indeed that’s just what happened to thousands of people from Clinton to Coupeville, though Central Whidbey didn’t see a flake, only power outages.

For those troubles, I’m sorry, I truly am, for this experience has made a few things clear. First, my column was proof that newspaper editors truly do wield the power to shape the future, at least when it comes to important stuff like predicting the weather. In more trivial matters, such as politics, we seem to carry less sway as is evidenced by the successful election of North Whidbey Republican Rick Hannold.

Despite The Record’s endorsement of his Democrat challenger, Karla Jacks, a state-required recount has determined him the legitimate winner of the November general election by a margin of 144 votes. Congratulations Mr. Hannold, your grassroots effort triumphed and demonstrated that well funded campaigns don’t guarantee victory at the polls. Good luck in office sir, and may you be a champion of the people and an example for all public servants.

Please do, however, speak to your constituents soon about heeding the word of newspaper editors, particularly those on the South End, when it comes to matters of urging them to vote for your political rivals.

Secondly, my awesome predictive powers aside, it’s also clear that I’m not alone in loving snow. True, my greatest backers on this topic are likely those born in this century — literally — but there are a few adults out there who enjoy the weather as much as I. On the slopes of Community Park, the smiles of parents rivaled those of their children as they rocketed down hills on plastic sleds together. And in Langley, the streets were abuzz with people who braved the frosty climes to grin through chattering teeth as they walked about marveling at the city’s winter landscape.

So, I guess it comes down to perspective. For some it’s a hassle, to others a blessing. Whatever the case, I officially claim responsibility and assume all blame or thanks.

For my next trick, I predict this week that I will get a healthy raise.