January 29th - Fun Snow Day!

While much of Atlanta struggled to get home from work - many had still not made it yet by this morning - in our little world all was well.  We got the least of the mess.  There is ice and snow and it is foolish to be out unnecessarily, but we do not really have any major problems.  In fact, once the sun came out, the stuff on the roofs and roads began to melt.  Of course, anything in the shade stayed frozen since the temperature never got above the 20's.

Lisa, David and kids drove over this morning.  The main roads were clear enough to be able to drive.  They stopped at Costco on their way and bought a sled for the kids.  The only real icing was along Prospect Church Rd.  In fact, there was one vehicle that had skidded off and was in the ditch.  David brought the family on over here and then went back to see if he could help them.  He had thrown the chains in the back of the truck, so he was able to pull the car out.  I think they were very grateful people - much cheaper than getting a tow truck!

Ashby and Brooks were so excited to play in the snow at our house.  They had already played at home, but we have a better hill for them.  It is to the side of the house and there isn't the danger of going in to the creek at the end!  They had more fun - sliding, making snowballs, making snow angels, and just running around in it.  Ashby spent quite a while in the playhouse in the backyard, making things with the snow in the little kitchen.  They were in and out all day - mostly out!

They did head back home before the sun went down, since with all that melt they could expect everything to refreeze and turn back into a sheet of ice.  That is the biggest problem driving here - ice.  Don't listen to those people who claim that we just don't know how to drive in snow.  When it is just snow, we can do fine.  The layer of ice that develops beneath the snow is the problem!

There is plenty of blame being thrown around for the absolute chaos that has happened - thousands stranded on the interstates all night, children not being able to get home from school and spending the nights at school or even on buses, etc.  There is no doubt that emergency preparedness was not practiced, but there were also other factors that caused the gridlock.  Oh, well.  At least I am safe and sound and didn't have to deal with any of that.  I do feel sorry for many friends who were caught up in, though, and couldn't get home.

So, for us, it was just a party day and we did have fun.  In addition to the playing, we made some cookie bars, baked some frozen bread, picked up a deli chicken at the grocery store and had chicken and rice, laid around watching TV, laughing and having a great day.  Love the family - it would have been boring without them here!!