ICE BOUND

One of the main reasons I moved to Georgia last summer was to get out of Wisconsin's cold winters.  This year the joke is on me.

For days the weather forecasters were predicting a snow and ice storm starting on Sunday night (the snow) and into Monday (the ice).  It has been far worse then we all imagined it could be.  Sunday night brought a snow/sleet first, followed by 5-6" of snow.  Monday brought more sleet on top of the snow.  So, there are layers of ice/snow/ice.  Everyday would warm up just barely enough for some of the snow to melt, but as soon as evening comes around it freezes again. 

For over 8 counties everything was completely shut down Monday and Tuesday.  Newcasters were telling people not to go out.  Schools are still closed .  Government offices have been shut down with many still closed and others with delayed openings.  Monday and Tuesday most grocery stores closed and/or had very limited hours.  Some people made it into work on Wednesday; however, if you live in hilly areas like I do it is almost impossible to drive the icy  hills, dips and curves and we are stuck.

I have not received mail all week.  No newspapers have been delivered up here.  My sister, Suzanne, received mail and 3 days worth of papers yesterday, but not us.  My neighbor, Andrea, tried to get to the gym in Canton yesterday, but made it less than a mile.  She couldn't get her car up the first big hill, put it in reverse and slid down to where she could turn it around and return home.  However, some people with larger, heavier vehicles have made it out, especially if they have 4 wheel drive.  I would be scared to death to try to maneuver the 3.5 miles of basically sheer ice on the huge hills and curves to get to the main road. 

The main roads are now fairly good, I hear.  The semi trucks that were stranded for a few day are slowly starting to move.  But, the back roads, like mine, are still far too dangerous for school buses, UPS or USPS vehicles. 

I have never experienced anything like this.  Monday I found myself looking out my front window wondering when the plows would come through.  Duh.  I'm not in Milwaukee - there are no plows.  I also found myself thinking, "I don't hear shovels scrapping or snow blowers."  Double duh.  No one owns snow shovels, let alone a snow blowers.  (I refused to move a snow shovel with me - again, the joke is on me!)

I was smart enough to stock up on the basics.  I have plenty of food and  could easily go another week holed up in my home.  But, by the weekend it should warm up enough for everyone to get out.

There is a lot to be said for being snow/ice bound for 4 days (so far).  I started a new quilt.  This is the quilt I will use in my master bedroom.  It is complicated and I am glad I can concentrate on it fully.  While Sam and Oliver are getting stir crazy, especially Sam - it is fun to see them in the yard chasing birds at the feeders (I have ventured out long enough to keep them full for my feathered friends).    Monday I joined a group of neighbors hanging out and pulling their little kids on make shift sleds.  Last night Andrea walked over and joined me for dinner.  She lives on my street, about a block away.  She said it was terrible walking the short distance from her house to mine.  Tanya was suppose to join us, but was concerned about coming down the huge hill that separates our houses.  I don't blame her.

If it is nice out this afternoon I will take the dogs for a short walk - probably only to the end of the street and back.  We all need fresh air and movement.  But, I have to admit I have enjoyed these quiet days.  Being retired I don't have to think about what I need to get done at work.  I truly don't have to get out, I have no where I have to go.  Phone calls with friends and the internet have kept me in touch with people.  I'm trying to keep the TV usage to  a minimum.  I have lots of books to read.  I have surrendered to the elements and it has been just fine.

I think I will lay low most of the weekend, too.  The temperature will be in the low 40s tomorrow and through the weekend, which will melt a lot of this mess.  Oliver really needs to be groomed so maybe Sunday I will have that done.  I will avoid stores as I think they will be mobbed with people finally able to get out.  Next week the temperatures return to the normal high 40s/low 50s and this week will slowly become a memory.  But, for now - another cup of coffee and off to the quilting room.