SnowJam 2014

Three years ago we had a significant snow and ice storm that interrupted our daily life.  Unlike that storm where the snow started at night, this one started during the day.  We hadn't given the weather a lot of thought.  To be honest, I was just trying to keep my head up after the previous day's ER visit and bronchitis diagnosis, so I didn't really know much about the weather.  I elected to stay home that day still not feeling well and kept SG with me.  Aaron went into the office and dropped Charlie off as usual.  

Around lunch time Sarah Graves and I noted that it was snowing and went out to catch snowflakes.  I didn't expect the snow to stick since it had been fairly warm in the days prior.  I even put out a couple of pans to try to catch some snow on the patio fearing that it would have stopped during her nap and there wouldn't be any for her to get her hands into.  Turns out, that wasn't necessary at all!  When she woke up, the snow was still coming down and she was thrilled to go out in it.  I was wishing that I felt better, but knew snow like this doesn't happen often here and she had to go out in it.  We checked out our yard, then walked around our neighborhood observing older kids sledding in the street as adults talked about the whereabouts of other neighbors and the conditions of the roads.  Everyone had a nice community feel about them as we marveled at the snow coming down.  We didn't have a sled, but it looked like so much fun that we had to try.  I had the idea to sit her in the recycle bin and use that as our sled.  It was somewhat successful and gave her the thrill that she was looking for!

Toward the later afternoon, Aaron called to say he was leaving the office and would be home after while.  The snow was coming down pretty hard and it seemed reasonable to get ahead of the traffic and be home before it really got slick.  This was all good thinking, just a few hours too late.  After being on the road for hours, Aaron grew worried the traffic wasn't moving and he might not get home for quite some time.  He called Jeanne' to see if she was home and up for a house guest.  She was and he set his sights on making it to her house.  Nearly eight hours after he left the office, he made it there.  Charlie was still at Lovie and Pops' house and we weren't sure if they could make it out to bring him home.  He would have been safe there, but I worried he wouldn't understand and would be confused as to where his family was.  Lovie and Pops kindly drove him home and happily he joined me and Sissy here.  Lovie and Pops' car got stuck on our street and despite numerous attempts they could not make it up the hill.  They opted to leave the car behind and have a quiet walk home as they observed the many abandoned cars and stranded drivers on their way.