No Show Snow

Written by Jen Wednesday, 17 December 2008 01:33

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The forecast called for snow, then sleet, freezing rain and ice. The distinction between these last few items is still unclear to me but together they usually mean one thing to millions of school children: Snow Day.

Now for those newbies among us, The Cardinal Rule for snow day anticipation is never, ever trust the forecast. Do the homework. Make lunches. Go to bed on time. Completing these tasks increases your chances of using that new sled.

But we didn't exactly follow every element of The Rule last night.

Watching the evening news, we heard the grim prediction of the WHITE DEATH. It was coming. Road crews were interviewed. Yep, it was cold out there, but these hearty dudes were going to pull all-nighters, treating the streets with a variety of solutions ranging from salt and beet juice to fruit cocktail. Ok, maybe not that last one.

Yet when we opened the blinds this morning we saw...nothing. Nada. Not one flake. Not even wet pavement. So we turned on the news....

OH NO! THE WORLD IS ABOUT TO END. SNOW HAS BEEN SITED 100 MILES SOUTH OF THE AREA!

This time the news people with Super Extra-Sensitive New-and-Improved Doppler Radar seemed to know their stuff. We saw that blue area on the map and knew the situation was dire when we witnessed the obligatory interview of the "salt guy" in front of the storage dome. The media frenzy was in full swing once more.

"As you'll notice, you can see your breath out here," demonstrated the young beat reporter as he breathed heavily into the camera. You've got to be kidding. Has anyone informed this poor soul that this is the Midwest?

My children saw no humor in this.

This grumpy group of youngsters marched angrily to the bus dragging their backpacks in disgust. This was, after all, Mom's fault. Buoyed by the vision of a frosty white morning of stillness, I encouraged the dream.

The snow did finally arrive, around noon. And by the time school was out, the flakes were gone and the ground white. The roads were fine.

Now we hear that rain and sleet are predicted for the overnight hours. Certainly the roads will be icy, maybe even "treacherous" by morning. My children will be in bed on time and homework packed up and ready to go. Clothes are ready and lunches are made.

This time we're not taking any chances.