Polar Vortex!

Greetings from the Polar Vortex. Chances are if you live most places in the US, you are in it, too. 

 

We are in the midst of a deep freeze here -- definitely not my favorite kind of weather but when you live in Michigan, you have to experience this now and then. But this is pretty extreme! When I was a kid, I don't remember them ever closing school because it was too cold. Even snow days were rare and it seemed we had more then than now. 

 

Times have changed. 

 

Rick is gnashing at the bit to be out skiing, but even he is smart enough to know you don't go cross-country skiing with a wind chill in negative double digits. He had been planning a trip up north to do that, see Greg, and get out of town but that's on hold until the weather straightens out. Assuming it does.

 

I remember when I loved winter. Snow was fun back then. Big old snow pants, warm boots, a cute and very warm hat, and fluffy mittens  caked with snow after forming snowballs or building forts. 

 

When I was high school, we once had such a big snow that my friend and I scaled a "mountain" of a snowbank by our house!

 

The last time I remember something even close to this was in 2013 at Christmas. A big ice storm hit Lansing and basically paralyzed the city. It was cold -- very cold -- but I don't think quite this cold! Pretty much everyone (more than 600,000 statewide) had no power. I don't know why I was one of the lucky ones, but was fortunately able to offer up a guest room bed and electronics charging station.  

 

Two blocks away, Rick was out of power for 11 days. Concerned about his boiler, he went to the lake to bring back a kerosene heater, only to discover that power was required to plug it on. So, on our "Christmas Eve" with Kevin and Molly, he and Kev drove down to his aunt's to pick up a generator.  He was one of the lucky ones -- trying to get a generator in this town was a losing battle. They braved down power lines and heavy-duty ice on the roads. Snow covered ice. 

 

It was beautiful. And deadly. 

 

Power workers came from all over the country to help get things back in order. I couldn't help but think that this was especially challenging duty, given the fact that it was right during the Christmas holiday and these people had to leave their homes and families to come to Michigan to help. 

 

I remember that Christmas well. It was just Kevin and Molly that year and when they left for their next Christmas, Rick and I found ourselves wanting to get out. The nearby bookstore and shopping plaza had power so we headed over there, enjoyed a lovely "real Christmas Eve" lunch and noticed people using every available outlet to recharge phones and laptops.  

 

All this "vortex" happening now reminds me of the aftermath of that 2013 storm. There were plenty of issues with the lack of preparedness by the power companies and the slow rate of getting things back in gear. A meeting at the local fire station with representatives  from our "Board of Water and Light" found a large group of very angry people, all of whom had been without power for well over a week, spending a small fortune in hotel rooms, unplanned transportation, and spoiled food. Many were anticipating expensive repairs from frozen pipes, among other things. People became far more stressed. 

 

It stopped being "fun" or an "adventure."

It's too early to tell what this week's vortex will bring. Early news reports seem to indicate that more of the ice will be in the southern part of the US. (If we northerners hate driving on it, at least we're used to it. Those in the south really don't have the experience dealing with the ice or the salt trucks to help with it.) 

 

And, we don't know what kind of damage there will be. Last winter's ice storm at the lake meant about $10,000 in property repairs and follow-up for me. I don't think it will be bad here this time, assuming we don't get massive ice. But I'm really glad I had tree work done in my yard this fall! You never know.

 

So, we all soldier on. I hope wherever you live, that if you are living with this that your home is safe, you have power, are stocked with food, books and crafty projects. Last year Rick and I had to deal with the ice damage at the lake and a tornado that brought a tree down on his  house. We can manage this one. 

 

When all is said and done, life will get back to normal. Snow and cold in the winter, but a promise of spring -- far away, but a little closer every day.

 

Keep cozy! And remember, we used to love this!

On another note: Blogger may (or may not be) sending me moderation notifications. Again. Who can tell from day to day.  If you don't see yours posted there, you will! And thanks for taking the time to leave one and to comment. (Yes, I've complained!)