In Like a Lion

March came in like a lion this morning, so I'm hoping it will go out like a lamb.

This morning did not get off to a good start. There was an overnight dusting of snow, which looks lovely, but the ice beneath is treacherous.

School was not cancelled, although we received a call that busses would be late because of road conditions. Drivers slipped and slid up and down our street. 

The young man across the street slid into a snow bank at the end of our cul de sac and ripped off a fog light from the bottom of his truck. The snow pile was left by the street department after our last snow storm.

Just up the road, my granddaughter slid into a brick mailbox, trying to avoid a parked car. The mailbox won. The rear of her SUV is in bad shape, although the rubber bumpers that got knocked off helped lessen the damage. Thankfully, no one was hurt, although during and after her franctic call many tears were shed.

As our neighbor and I assessed the damage to our teens' vehicles--she to her son's pickup and I to my granddaughter's SUV--a city truck came by and cleared the road.

Hurry, Spring!

Ice, Ice, Baby -- and January's Progress Report

As ice and sleet continue to pelt our roof, window screens, and deck, I wonder how long until the snow and blizzard-like conditions hit--the second blow of the one-two punch. I pray our power doesn't go out. According to the weather reports, we are in the midst of a monster storm "of historic proportion."

At the supper table last night I told my grandkiddos, "This could be a storm you can tell your grandchildren about when you're my age."

They looked at me like I'd just asked them to eat a green vegetable. No doubt they can't imagine themselves one day being as old as their grandmother. They're more concerned about having a snow day.

Speaking of snow days, today is a good day to stay inside and catch up on writing. I have a deadline tomorrow for a book review, so I'm going to finish that.

Yesterday I updated my 2011 writing submissions/activities/expenses/income spreadsheet for January.

Each year I create an Excel spreadsheet to track my writing progress--and to use when tax time rolls around. Keeping track of my income and expenses makes my husband happy, and it makes me feel good to see what I've accomplished each month.

Here are a few entries for January:

Income:
Book reviews: 3
Author Inerviews: 2

Expenses:
Contest entries: 2
Magazine subscriptions: 2
Membership Dues: 1

Other Activities:
Write 1/Sub 1 short stories written/submitted: 1 (3,000 word story)

Blog Posts: 17


How about you? What tool do you use to track your writing progress?

Snow Days -- Risky Business?

Yesterday afternoon was sunny and pleasant. I parked at my usual carpool spot alongside of Tracy, the mom of one of my grandson Michael's best friends from All Saints School. We thumbed down our windows for our afternoon chat.

"Nice day today," I said. "But we might get snow tonight."

"Yep," Tracy said. "Are you a risk taker?"

"Sometimes," I said while thinking, not much.

"I'm betting on a snow day tomorrow. Think Michael would want to spend the night and go sledding with Caleb?"

"Sounds good to me."

Although the skies were clear, Tracy and I made plans to have Michael pack a bag and bring his overnight clothes to the boys' basketball practice later that evening. After Michael got in the van I told him what was going on. He was excited and told me his science teacher said a big snow storm was headed our way.

"I know we won't have school tomorrow," he said.

"We'll see," I said.

As soon as we got home, Michael began packing his stuff.

"Can I bring my sled?" he asked.

"Sure."

"How about my X-Box?"

"No, just your play clothes and sled. And don't forget your school clothes and bookbag, just in case school isn't cancelled."

I'm a bit of a risk taker, but I still like to be prepared.

There was a nip in the air, but no snowflakes yet when my husband Walt and Michael left for basketball practice a little after seven.

"Did you pack your school clothes?" I asked on his way out the door.

"Yes," he said.

"What about your sled?"

"It's already in the truck."

I kissed him goodbye and told him to have fun.

Half an hour later, by the time my granddaughter Cari and I left for her high school volleyball practice, flakes were flying and filling the streets.

The drive home almost two hours later was dicey. Roads were slick and snow-packed, but we made it back safely.

When we walked in the door, Walt said, "Cari's high school just called. Snow day tomorrow."

"Yes!" Cari chanted as danced down the hall to her room.

"Did All Saints call? Michael will be upset if Cari's off school but he isn't."

"Not yet," Walt said.

Walt was already in bed, Cari was in her room, and I was watching the late-night news when the call came from All Saints announcing school would be closed on Thursday.

Michael was right, and I knew he would be happy to spend a snow day sledding with Caleb.

I had to admit it was fun and a bit exciting taking the risk on a snow day in the middle of the week, but the worrier in me was still glad Michael had his school clothes and bookbag in case school hadn't been cancelled.

As I turned off the television and headed towards the bedroom, I noticed Michael's bookbag sitting near the front door.

Thoughts on a Snow Day

Snow started late yesterday afternoon and continued overnight. This morning our yard and street are awash in a wintry glow.

The first automated call came at 4:30 from Cari's school district. Her high school is closed due to the snow. Michael's school called around 5:40. Same announcement, different voice.

SNOW DAY!

Harley, our black lab, woke up early, but he put the skids on when I opened the back door to let him outside. He's no fool. When Walt opened the door, he listened and trotted outside. Why is that? It's the same way with the kids.

When I went in their bedrooms to tell them there was no school, Cari said, "Good. I can sleep in." Michael said, "Good. I can sled." Then they both went back to sleep.

So, this morning instead of making breakfasts and lunches, double-checking homework, and rushing around getting the kids out the door in time for school, I'm sipping a cup of tea, reading, and writing. Life is good.

While I'm warm and cozy inside, not everyone is. Last night and earlier this morning the city trucks have been by clearing the streets.

Today the mail carriers have their work cut out for them. Thinking about mail carriers, I found this article on readersdigest.com. "Thirteen Things Your Mail Carrier Won't Tell You." After reading the list, I appreciate #4, the advice about Media Mail (I use it when mailing books) and #10 about using ball point pens. I shudder when I think about the stories mail carriers can tell with #11.

Hope you can enjoy your day today, no matter what kind of weather you're having.