This past weekend, Arkansas experienced a two-day ice/snow storm. The normal state of affairs in The Natural State seems to be: if it snows only, it melts a few hours after the sun comes out; if a layer of ice falls first there will be two days or more of treacherous walking and driving.
There is no way the people around here were not prepared for this. On Monday the weather persons began talking hysterically about the possibility that perhaps a winter mix might move through some counties. Milk and bread flew from grocery shelves, events were cancelled. And when it finally happened, kids and teachers got a free day out of school. (I don’t want to spoil anyone’s fun, but it wasn’t a free day at all, only borrowed – to be paid back on Presidents’ Day, Good Friday or June 1.)
My office was closed and the play at Center On the Square rescheduled, so I am one of those who stayed inside, enjoying the days at home. Here are some of the things I did while snowed in:
The most immediate need was for me to figure out how to potty the dog. I usually take him to the yard on a leash. I crept across my back porch, fastened the long leash to the banister and hooked the other end to the dog’s collar. He could almost reach his tree – which may have been a little frustrating, but all in all his needs were met.
I talked by phone and email to family and friends who wondered how I was faring.
I perused Facebook.
I wrote/tweaked a chapter of my novel-in-progress.
I napped. More than once.
I cooked. Ane consequently found my 1/3 measuring cup which had been lost in the oatmeal box since I made no-bake cookies at Christmas.
I read. Currently reading Wishin and Hopin by Wally Lamb, Writing to the Change the World by Mary Pipher, and The Gospel of John.
I watched the list of church closings on Saturday night and failing to see my UMC listed, I ventured to church Sunday morning. About 1/2 the usual number of congregants were there and the choir was full. My thanks to United Methodist Men who helped sweet little old ladies across the icy parking lot.
Even if it’s borrowed, an unexpected day off is a blessing I would wish for everyone.
Good for you, you dedicated church woman. My car doors and windshield were hidden under ice and I didn’t want to scrape them off, so I stayed within my warm four walls. Ironically, my column for this Thursday will be “What to do on a snowy, sleety day.” I am glad to see that you also napped. And more than once. Bravo! My neighbor brought the papers to my porch for two days, bless his heart. Even collegian Billy called to check on me. pl