Snowed In

12:15 p.m. We awoke this morning to a good four inches of snow on the ground, and more falling fast. Yesterday the local weather forecasters were predicting a possibility of snow today, but no more than an inch or two since the nor'easter was supposed to hang well out to sea. By 11 o'clock last night, the storm warnings had been upgraded, and we were being told to prepare for 3-6 inches. Imagine our surprise when we heard the forecast this morning and found out we were now expected to receive a foot or more of snow!

I emphatically did not wish to drive in this weather. For one thing, beneath the snow is a layer of ice which makes driving particularly hazardous. And the snow was still falling with unabating intensity. The radio meterologist said it was accumulating at the rate of an inch or two an hour.

I told Tab that I'd keep Daniel home from school even if his school didn't close today. That way Tab could drive himself to and from Princeton so that I would not have to make two roundtrips. As it turns out, Tab did not have to go in after all. The university was closed today, which almost never happens.

Tab and I often find it funny the way people around here react to forecasted snow storms. If the prediction is for anything more than a couple of inches of snow, folks make a mad dash to the store to stock up on perishables like bread and milk. It is a comical overreaction because the roads are generally plowed within a few hours. This storm took everyone by surprise, however, and people didn't get a chance to pick up last minute groceries. Still, I'm sure most of us can survive for a day without the supermarkets.

Daniel is excited because he gets to help Tab shovel. He even has a special, kid-sized shovel to use. They are out there right now, taking advantage of what appears to be a lull in the storm. The snow stopped a little while ago after depositing about six or seven inches. It is supposed to start back up again later this afternoon. Tab is shoveling not only our porch and walkway but also those of a few of our older neighbors and Mr. Byron's driveway where we park our car.

I know I complained about the snow just last week, but snow days like this are kind of fun. For one thing, we don't have to go anywhere, so I'm not worried about driving in it. The twins practiced writing their letters (we are on letter "D" now), and then we worked on some simple arithmetic concepts using their Duplo blocks. Now they are watching Little Bear on Nick Jr. I may let them go out later and play in the snow.

In the meantime, it is cozy and warm inside, and we are all together. I can't think of anything better than that.

 

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Tuesday
January 25, 2000

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Reading: Strange Fits of Passion by Anita Shreve. In 1971, a woman flees her abusive husband. Taking their infant daughter, she finds a safe harbor in a small coastal Maine town...until her husband tracks her down. Twenty years later, the author of a book about the resulting murder bestows her notes on the case to the couple's now grown daughter. The story is revealed in these notes through the testimony of the townspeople and the woman's letters from prison after her conviction. I always like novels which show how events can be perceived differently by different people. Shreve's description of the small Maine town is good, too.

Making: Hot chocolate for Tab and Daniel who are outside shoveling snow. For two big mugfulls, plus some left over for me and the twins, I mix six tablespoons Ghiardelli unsweetened cocoa, a quarter cup of sugar, four cups of milk, and a dash of vanilla extract in a saucepan. Whisk until well blended and warm over medium heat.


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