The Blizzard

We've spent the holidays in Oilville with The Wood Artist and my parents.  It has been a relaxing and restful time, filled with yummy food and family games.  I needed the opportunity to rest and be creative (more on that in another post).  I didn't feel like I was quite ready, but it was time to head home and start life again. 

We loaded "Lello", our trusty car, and headed out this morning.  As I first guided her onto the highway in between the oilfield vehicles, I groaned inside.  There was freezing rain and, despite my studded snow tires and four-wheel drive, it was slick.  I persevered, but each new car in the ditch made me squeamy.  I knew from looking at the forecast that I was racing against time.  There was an arctic blizzard coming in across the plains from the North and heavy snow moving in from the pacific northwest.  I had only so much time to get 550 miles down the road before they hit.  Going 45 mph was not going to get me over the pass in time.  Finally, I just turned around. 

We pulled into Mom and Dad's driveway just in time.  There was another accident and the semis were backing up. We unloaded everything and tried to settle in.  The Mighty Hunting Hound looked at us in bewilderment!  Were we not just here?  What was that about?!

 In time the roads melted and we were able to run to town for food stocks and supplies before the blizzard hit.  

o,

As the night progressed the blizzard started and it came time for Dad to bring the dogs in.  We've always told the kids about how the old timers had to tie a rope from the house to the barn so they wouldn't get lost in blizzards, so Dad decided to have a hands-on history lesson with Mr. Blueberry Eyes.  We didn't have a long enough rope, so they just tied themselves to each other and headed into the night.  They did "chores" and brought the dogs inside. 

After that we had everything-but-the-kitchen-sink vegie pizza with home-made, 1/2 whole wheat crust.  We sat around visiting with two gentlemen who rent from mom and dad and had a first class evening.

Wind chill temps are supposed to dip to -60 degrees for the next three days, so we are staying put for a while.  From the news reports, most of the country is feeling this arctic blast.  Stay warm, my friends.  Slow down.  Gather round.  Nourish yourselves.  Make and share memories. - Nanette