December 1, 2006

Somebody out there thought it would be fun to let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.  I hope they're happy with the results.  I would like to suggest that they move to Minnesota or Wisconsin and leave us winter hating Okies alone.  This is a pretty huge snow for Oklahoma and it's way early in the season.  Maybe I need to move to Arizona or some other state where snow is something you read about and don't experience first hand.

You can't tell from the picture, but the trees are all coated in a layer of ice.  I'll be poetic about it rather than cynical - or at least I will try - and I'll say that everything sparkles like clear Swarovski crystal.

At least we are getting a glimpse of the sunshine. It' has been many long days since we have seen any of its golden rays, so even though it's very cold, the sun is a welcome site.  It gives you hope that everything will soon melt, even if it's only teasing right now.

Well, I guess I'm not going anywhere today.  Guess that means I'll have to clean house or do something else disgusting and productive.  Yet another reason to dislike the cold, ice and snow.

Honestly, I think snow is pretty.  And if you don't have to go anywhere, if it's something that keeps you from doing some of the things you want to do but that you can put off until later, it's tolerable.  But when you are expected to somehow get yourself to work on roads that have been frosted with ice and layered with snow, this kind of weather becomes frightening at best and at worst, a killer.  Especially when you factor in the typical Oklahoma driver who drives some huge SUV kind of thing, who somehow believes their vehicles have magically turned into snowmobiles and they are out to play bumper cars.

When Maddie was alive, the depth of snow was always measured by how high it was on her belly.  Sometimes she had to leap through the deep parts to get to a place that had been more protected where the snow was less deep.  But this snow would have been a "Where's Maddie?" snow.  It would be over her head...one leap and she would completely disappear!

December 5, 2006

There is STILL snow on the ground, although it is losing the battle today as temperatures have finally risen above freezing.  I intensely dislike winter.  O.K., I HATE winter.  Not because of the cold so much, but because of storms like the one we've had that make it dangerous to leave your house.  Because we don't tend to have snow and ice on the ground for long periods of time, most people never learn how to drive on it.  They either go pain in the butt slow or stupid butt fast.  They still tailgate.  They still pull out right in front of you. They still turn without signaling.  They tend to think they are better drivers in inclement weather than they are, so they spin out, wind up in ditches, take out street signs, hit curbs, and of course, hit other cars. 

I know I'm no expert snow and ice driver, so I drive cautiously...somewhere between pain in the butt and stupid butt.  I take corners slowly and I stay way back from the people in front of me.  I really despise having to take my life in my hands just to go to work or to the grocery store or to pick up a prescription.  My thought is that icy, snowy winters should happen in northern climes.  People who live in northern climes should like and expect winter weather in the winter.   Winter should only occasionally be cold (below freezing) in the southern parts of the country and when living in the southern part of the country, one should not have to endure snow and ice.  Ever.  This is orderly.  It makes sense.  It's logical. 

Unfortunately, the weather doesn't listen to me.  I'm very frustrated by this fact.  Someday, I would like to retire and move to a place where the word "snow" is not even in the vocabulary of the residents.  Ice is what you put in your water or tea or whatever you are drinking, to cool the liquid.  I want to sit on the beach listening to the ocean, take a walk on said beach, lay on the beach, swim in the ocean, lay on the beach some more...I think you get the idea.  It's probably just a dream, but it never hurts to dream, right?  Especially when there is sill snow on the ground outside.

December 24, 2006

I wish you and your family and friends a Christmas filled with love, joy, peace and happiness.  May you experience many blessings this season and throughout the coming new year.

  December 31, 2006

Here we are...on the cusp of a new year.  I am amazed at how quickly the years pass.  Didn't they used to go much slower?

A couple of dear friends took me out for a makeover so I could face the new year with...well, with a new face, sort of.  They had my makeup done and my hair cut and colored.  What a fun and uplifting experience!  Thank you Kathryn and Susan.  You really blessed me and made me feel special!  Here are the results...

I hope everyone has a safe night tonight.  I'm wishing you many good things and much happiness during the upcoming year.  May you have laughter, the love of friends and family, time to enjoy life and abundant provision of all of your needs.