Well last week, we experienced a snowstorm that put a halt to all state business and created what everyone loves to hear – a snow day! And now, in the past 10 days, we have had 2 of them, TWO!
What I like best is the anticipation. Several days before people begin to talk about it. “Did you hear about the big storm that is coming” is a common refrain. As it gets closer to snow time, the estimates swing wildly and the predictions go nuclear. We are getting 2 feet, no, only a dusting, it will be a real heavy snow, fill the bathtub, no, it will be light and fluffy, move it with a broom… The weather talking heads are worthless at this point, making small talk about global warning with the news bunnies. Even the professionals, the meteorologists, (is this an oxymoron? Shouldn’t they study meteors and comets??) are not very helpful, spouting out about computer models and low pressure systems and milliebars. However, they know we are in trouble when they send their experts into the field to report on what is happening. There is nothing as frightening as Jim Cantore standing in waist deep snow, with cars sliding behind him, talking about how the brunt of the storm has not hit yet.
(Plus as in 24 inches,, a bit more than CBS figured on!)
At this point the family here goes into action. Grocery store run, check – plenty of stuff for fresh baked cookies. Bathtub filled, yes. We learned that lesson 20 years ago (more about that in another post soon). Candles and flashlights check. Batteries, no so much. Wood for the stove – WHAT ARE WE, MACHINES! WE CAN’T DO ALL THIS, WE ARE IN A PANIC, CAN’T YOU SEE THIS! Well we can always burn the furniture, it’s not worth much and we are not taking it to New Mexico. Check!
Next up is watching for our governor to declare a state of emergency. Years ago (again that storm I will talk about soon) one of the state’s response to the mess was to set up a protocol for all state employees – ESSENTIAL and NON-ESSENTIAL. As a social worker I am NON-ESSENTIAL so state of emergency means state of staying home and chillin’. Last week, we got one. Yesterday we did not but I exercised my option under my personal time usage clause and call in a “can’t come to work today, you can’t make me” day. So we sat home, made cookies, stayed warm, eventually got plowed out and were none the worse for wear. We got 24 inches of powder, great for skiing, lousy for getting to work.
Yesterday was different. The storm was not as intense, only about 4-5 inches but it started as ice and finished as rain/sleet so it is heavy and slippery and unmanageable for me to walk on. Mrsfabp escorted me to the car to get me off to work and I worry about getting up the driveway when it is time to go home but we shall see.
(not our home but an incredible simulation of this morning. That is Mrsfabp shoveling snow, I am on the porch telling her I want to move to Las Cruces TODAY!)
As I drove into work, which took twice as long as usual this morning, only one thought crossed my mind – “could 100 degrees in NM be worse than this? We will have air conditioning, could that be a worse situation than this?
I think not…
3 comments:
Hate to tell you this, but we just came to the conclusion that it now shorts and sandals weather in the afternoons here. No more long pants, no more socks--they are just too hot.
And when we get to the real summer weather, there is nothing wrong with lovely hot, dry desert air. Believe me.
Sorry to tell you this also, I have been thinking we will be needing to turn on the air conditioner very soon. I think I saw the first bud on the tree in my back yard. lol
We have over 4 feet of snow and piles higher than that in the driveway. We cannot see any of our trees to see if they have buds but probably not. We're hoping the snow is gone for our annual Memorial Day Picnic at a friends house in the neighborhood. Maybe this year they will have ice skating instead of the usual costume contest!
Post a Comment