Snowmageddon!!

I heard someone use this phrase when I was on my way to work this morning.  It didn't bode well.  On my way to work we knew there was a snow storm coming but at 8am this morning it was nothing but a light dusting and the threat of bad weather had kept the number of commuters and parents taking their kids to their last day at school to a minimum so it was a fairly straightforward drive.  

By 9am however things were looking a little different.  There is a pretty good view of the highway from our office  but this morning we could only just make out the slow moving cars through the white-out conditions.  Eek!

It was pot luck day and those sturdy few of us that had made the effort got stuck in about 11am, eating and playing games.  Then came the word that due to bad weather the office was closed with immediate effect.  Great - looking out the window none of us was too keen to venture out and had been assuming that by the time we left at the usual time (4.30) conditions would have been a little better.

Anyway we all gathered our leftovers and ventured out.  I eventually left the office around 12.45 - my usual journey time is around 20 to 25 minutes - but today it took me 1 hr 45 mins to get back inside my house.

The conditions on the highway weren't too bad, everyone traveling at a fairly sedate 50km with a few stops and starts but the off ramps were a disaster, cars in the ditches; at one a police cruiser helpfully parked right in the ramp while he assisted someone safely parked to one side.  What an idiot - the officer I mean - people want to get off the highway in these conditions not be forced to stay on or sit like a sitting duck half on, half off the highway.  My windscreen wipers were beginning to bind up with snow and ice and the petrol gauge was getting lower by the minute.  I wanted off the highway. When I eventually came to a "clear" off ramp the snow was a foot deep in places, visibility was such that it was hard to make out where the previous tracks were and I just had to grit my teeth, grip the steering wheel tightly and pray I would make it up to the lights.  Having managed that I finally entered my little neighbourhood but the two roads leading to my road are on a slight upward incline and I couldn't get up, by this time there is more snow inside the car than out, I am all steamed up and so is that car!!  In and out trying to find some traction.

I finally, by taking another route, got into my road and almost to my driveway where son had helpfully shoveled a little space for me.  However just as I arrived so had his ride out to a concert this evening and they were parked in my space so I stopped and waited for them to move.  BIG MISTAKE.  When you have momentum, keep on moving.  45 minutes later with the help of great neighbours, their cinders, some salt and sand from the garage I finally got going around the block and straight back onto my drive. 

         PIcture :  My street looks a little like this right now, but I am not planning to participate in this fun winter sport until later. 

Snow up to my knees, mascara smudged all over my face, nerves in tatters but I am now safely on my couch with my laptop, cup of tea and pot luck leftovers and I am not going anywhere for a while.

GWE was planning to drive back from Montreal today but we re-thought that plan and he will try again tomorrow when they have had a chance to plough and salt.  Ahhh these Canadian winters - you gotta hate them!!!