Like much of the country, we’ve been smack in the middle of a winter storm for nearly a week and today, temperatures plummeted ~ Meteorologists are breathlessly reporting, “Polar Vortex, Arctic Chill and Extreme cold warnings!!” as the furnace hums steadily. I was up long before I needed to be but enjoyed puttering around the house in winter’s quiet.
Seeing the scroll of school, church and business closings last night I couldn’t help but remember my farm childhood and hearing two deliciously wonderful words at morning’s cusp, “SNOW DAY!” And my snowy memories inspired me to post these Random Snow Day Thoughts ~ here we go:
1 ) Growing up in the country farm kids like me had a “town” buddy in case severe weather came quickly. My town buddy was a classmate named Melanie Wright – her house was in the middle of the village. I’d estimate a walk there took less than 10 minutes but it sure felt longer to me. I recall spending the night once or twice, being fed and warm but also terribly homesick. I couldn’t have been more than 7 or 8. I think that’s Melanie in the sailor dress next to me (in the bow tie), front row.
- This picture represents 2 grades; my grade was one of the largest with 11 kids.
- We often had 3 grades sharing one room in our little brick schoolhouse ~ God Bless our teachers!
Class picture, an Emjayandthem (C) photo
2 ) Bitter blizzards and freezing winds take me right back to Mom’s kitchen where she, the 100lb dynamo, would stand at the door and make my siblings & I pull up our pant legs to give evidence of tights or long johns underneath. No negotiating, no exceptions, “don’teventryit.” She showed her love and care for us in a multitude of ways but the love I felt via a pants inspection lingers with me still. Man I miss her.
Mom & Sport, winter 1952-53. An Emjayandthem (C) photo
3 ) Being home since last Thursday I’ve leaned into my stack of books. Read 3, ordered 4 more, and plan on starting another tonight. Couldn’t. Be. Cozier.
“The world was hers for the reading.” – Betty Smith
Bucket List Goals: Trinity College Library in Dublin, Ireland
4 ) Our local news has been sharing heartwarming stories of folks stepping up to help others out of a snowy ditch, clearing sidewalks, checking on elderly neighbors and even rescuing dogs out in the (dangerous) cold. I have my own story to share: a situation arose late Monday that necessitated me making a quick trip to the office to pick up several (specialty) items ~ these were to be shipped to a colleague in another state. The request came Monday evening, in the midst of white-out conditions with winter warnings” all around. Pondering my next move, Hubbs made it easy, “I’ll take you.” Yes I could have driven myself but that wasn’t the point. Accompanied by his calm demeanor, fuzzy pants and snow boots, we set out the next day ~ roads were awful, snow-covered and icy. Visibility was maybe 12 feet. It was in that moment I was reminded of something Mom had always said: Romance is not always flowers and chocolates … it’s someone willing to lay down a brick for you, over and over and over again. And, as usual, she was right.
5 ) With 480+ area schools on an extended winter break, Schwartz Creek School Administrators in Clayton Township, Michigan got their “Snow Day” announcement just right ~ Hallelujah, indeed! 🙂
- Is the 2019 Polar Vortex affecting you / your area?
- Did you have a “storm buddy” as a child?
- Any “hero” stories to share?
- Ever had a “pants” inspection?
