In the Snow Again....

I'm so glad to be in the snow again...

The life I love is to my husband to attend...

And I'm so glad to be in the snow again....

(Thank you, Willie.)

So, I woke up this morning and looked out the window and said, "Uh, oh... I better check the school website." Jeff groaned next to me and turned his face into the pillow in order to use some of the juicier expletives that he knows.

It was a fine snow, falling softly, straight down. The roads were sheets of solid slippery.

And the school website said, "School is open. Please use care when travelling."

Kate didn't seem too upset that she had to go. She looked hopeful when she realized I was checking the website, but when I said that she'd be going to school she simply shrugged and said, "May I have some breakfast please?"

No problem.

"Are you going to try to go to work today," I said to Jeff, trying not to sound hopeful.

"Yes," he groaned.

So, I packed two sets of lunches and bundling the girl up, off to school we went.

The walk was treacherous. The roads were skating arenas. People were driving stupidly.

And we arrived at school just fine.

Some of the moms were visibly shaken. Living too far from the school to walk in this kind of weather, they had set out by car without realizing how bad it really was.

"Hey," I said to Eleanor's mom. "I've been meaning to tell you that if you ever feel like you just can't bear to bundle up Isabelle, or push the pushchair (stroller) through the snow, I'll be glad to either stop by and take Eleanor to school or drop her off on the way home." (Eleanor lives around the corner from us.)

She thanked me and then there was nothing left to do except kiss Kate the Great farewell and trudge home.

Stamping my feet as I entered the warmth of the house, I noted the backpack sitting by the front door.... where it sat on the way out.

"I wouldn't suggest that you try to go to work in this," I called up as I took the sandwiches from the bag and put them in the fridge, then went about making tea for me, hot chocolate for him, and toast for both.

After consulting with the staff, the decision was made to cancel WOW! for the day. Better safe than sorry. I would rather we be sorry that we cancelled it when perhaps we didn't need to than be sorry that someone got hurt while either coming to it or travelling home after it.

Around noon, I looked out the window again. It didn't seem to be letting up. So, I navigated my way back to the website once more.

"Due to the weather and treacherous road conditions, some staff who have a long journey home are leaving at lunchtime today. School will remain open until 3.20pm, but if you are able to collect your child early it would be a great help. Children can be collected from 1.30pm. Please come to the school office."

I COULD leave her there until 3:20pm... but what that was essentially saying was that the school was going to turn into a mass babysitting service until 3:20p. So, 1:30pm pick up it would be.

And then the phone rang. It was Eleanor's Mom! She was actually taking me up on my offer. I can't say I blame her. I've watched her struggle along the sidewalks and roads trying to get to school and get home. Eleanor is really a sweet, well-mannered girl... it is no hardship to walk with her.

Jeff went with me... in case I needed help *herding children.* I think he just wanted out of the house.

Do I have to mention Kate was thrilled to death to see us arrive at school to take her home?

And now, some pictures... I know that's what you all are looking for anyway...

Snow Day!

It's a snow day here in St Albans today!

I have Kate and Jeff home. (Tell me... is it a man thing that every glass or mug in the house MUST be dirty at all times?)

I shouldn't be happy to see all this white stuff, but I am.

It could have come at a better time though. Yesterday was Kate's first day back at school after the Christmas break and it was rough on both of us. Even while she was sick, she had been getting up at 7 or 7:30am through the whole two weeks she was at home for her holidays.

Yesterday morning... it was 8am and she was still in bed. So, I went in to rouse the Sleeping Beauty (or maybe it was the savage beast) and I sat on her bed, getting her clothes ready for the day.

Before I even said her name or touched her, the tears began. Heartbreaking sobbing. The kind she knows really gets to me.

She didn't want to go to school.

But, I persevered. Got her dressed and ready, and we were out the door. The walk to school was quiet, but calm.

She was sulky on the playground, didn't want to look at any of her friends.... and when the bell rang, it was tears all over again.

Handed her the book bag, the lunch box, gave her a kiss and though I felt like my heart was going to turn to dust, told her to have a good day. She cried all the way to the classroom door.

Of course, I peeked through the window to make sure she was okay... and of course, she was.

And I enjoyed an absolutely fabulous morning in town... on my own... looking at what I liked and not being in a hurry to be anywhere. I happened to meet up with Reg and Pat (from Christmas dinner) and we stopped and had a cup of coffee together.

I felt almost human again instead of some dish washing, food preparing auto-maton.

So, perhaps NOT going to school today was not the best thing in the world. But.... it's the way it is.

I'd have to say we're at about 8 inches. It's just stopped but there could be more on the way.

Here's some pictures of the whiteness. Kate isn't quite ready to go outside yet. She's too busy enjoying lounging in her pajamas.

Enjoy!

Christmas Addendum

I must apologise.

I've been royally told off by Kate who wanted to know why I didn't put her letter from Santa Claus on the blog.

So, to appease the Lady of the Castle... here it is.

Dear Kate,

I hope your Mom and Dad don’t mind that I used their computers to type you a quick note. My fingers are so stiff and cold that I couldn’t hold a pencil to write you a proper note.

Thank you for the lovely mince pies. They really were nice. My elf helper, Eleanor, was so hungry that I let her have one. Poor thing. It’s her first year on the sleigh and she’s a bit weary. I must remember to tell her what a good job she is doing.

I hope you enjoy your presents. You’ve been a very good girl this year. You are so quick and clever at school. You work very hard and try to do your best. Your Mom is always telling people what a good helper you are at home. These are the kinds of things I love to hear about children. Keep it up!

I know you are worried about things like fire and floods these days. Don’t worry. I know you are a brave girl and will soon stop worrying about them.

Well, I better get back to work. There are children who live in America who I need to visit soon. Do you know Shelby, Carly, and Bradley Levan? How about Athena Evans? Don’t tell anyone, but they are all on the good list this year!

Which is where I want to see your name again. On the good list. Make sure you listen to your Mom and Dad and do your best at school and I’m sure you’ll be there again next year.

Love,
Santa Claus

P.S. I didn’t wake up Gran or Fred.