Escape from Cabin Fever

Yes, we did manage to get out today!

It was still icy in spots while we were getting out of our neighborhood. A nice half-inch layer of ice encrusted over powdery snow on the van and in the driveway. Despite a little sliding, I took the kids out to McDonald's for lunch and a run around the Playplace. They were happy to be out after being stuck in the house for the past three days. Luckily, they also behaved during our grocery run to WalMart. Michael was very helpful; he helped put items in the cart and held the door to the freezer cases. He's at the age where he can help out with simple tasks and I know it boosts his self-esteem when he feels like he's helping.

As of 7:03 PM, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools will run on a 2-hour delay. I wonder if they won't just go ahead and cancel.

On a somewhat related tangent, I wonder what's up with all the weird weather. I have a friend in Queensland, Australia, who's directly affected by the floods. Please pray for her, her family, and everyone affected by the rising water. Thanks.


All original writing and art copyright A. Dameron 2000-2010

Snow in Charlotte, Part Deux

The snow's still coming down and everything is covered with white. It started snowing last night and they're predicting 6-9 inches before it's all over and done with. And as the temperature rises, it'll go to freezing rain and sleet.

Wonderful. All 3 of my kids are home, so I've got to find a way to entertain them...besides watching Wiggles videos all day. Thank God for Netflix! Hubs is home on a conference call with work, so we all need to be as quiet as church mice!

I'll try to get some pics of the snow later, when I get the chance.

All original writing and art copyright A. Dameron 2000-2010

Stuck at home...what now?

They're predicting ice/sleet/cold rain tomorrow here in Charlotte. The storm that's hammered the Midwest is heading here. My friend in Miami tweeted that it's too COLD down there. I think Mother Nature's thermostat is broken and she needs someone to come in and repair it. I've never been a fan of cold weather; we moved farther south to get AWAY from it.

My house sits on top of a hill in our neighborhood. We really didn't plan it that way; it just happened. On the good side, we don't have much of a flooding problem when it rains heavily, since water runs downhill. When that water freezes into ice, though, it's impossible to get down the street, much less the housing development. I've actually watched people slip-slide down the hill or try to make it up and fail miserably. During the winter storm of 2002, my husband jokingly called our house "The Fortress of Solitude".

He had a point. The first day of ice is beautiful. The second, third and fourth days aren't. Cabin fever sets in...and the millionth Christmas movie or rendition of "Let's Clap Hands for Santa Claus" drives me nuts. That's when you stock up on hot chocolate, board games, crayons and paper. Take your camera and shoot pictures that will never come again. Spend time with family, snuggled up under blankets and next to the space heater.

And hope that the Groundhog doesn't seen his shadow and spring comes early this year.



All original writing and art copyright A. Dameron 2000-2010