It started Monday night and at first I thought it was just another example of how the weather forecasters here in the midwest have a tendency to overreact. Unfortunately, this was not the case. The ice started Monday night, went through Tuesday and continued through Tuesday evening/Wednesday morning.
Our backyard is a skating rink. A deadly skating rink.
This morning, when I went out to fill the bird feeder, I fell right to my knees. There was no traction and as much as I stomped on the ice, I couldn’t break through the layers of ice and snow and more ice.
One Tuesday, I went out and took some pictures of our backyard. I thought the ice was beautiful. I mean, I didn’t have to go out in it, so why not enjoy it? Of course, that was Tuesday morning. Tuesday afternoon, I started to worry. By Tuesday night, I was angry. Why? Read below.
Normally, I could care less about inclement weather. They closed school Tuesday and Wednesday and I would have just snuggled into my couch and worked on grading, submissions or catch up on some reading. However, this weekend happens to be AWP. I’ve been looking forward to this trip for awhile for a few different reasons:
1. I like AWP (Association of Writers and Writing Programs). It’s fun, interesting and it’s always in a cool place (Chicago, Denver, Austin, etc).
2. I like getting to see friends at AWP that I don’t normally get to see. I’ve made some plans and I would like to see those plans realized.
3. I managed to convince my community college that they should cover my trip this year, so it is especially important that I make it to my destination.
4. I was really looking forward to a change of scene if only for a few days. Winter gets boring.
I’m sitting in the airport right now. As of now, my flight is still arriving on time. Apparently, the plane is here. The issue is the runways and jetways are covered in ice.
Hopefully, I’ll still get out today…
Brianna Pike 