The Progeny
Missed Forecast
Today has to go down as one underestimated, miscalculated, bordering-on-a-dangerous-weather-faux-pas of the season.
If I had KNOWN we'd end up with blizzard conditions, I COULD have managed the groceries on Saturday, even with a sore knee.
All morning I was planning to take the three little boys shopping after lunch. We did receive our mail and there was nothing stronger than a weather advisory, with our county at the eastern edge.
A careful eye was kept on the road conditions, and even though the Des Moines area was designated "travel not recommended," our patch seemed fairly clear, with only partially covered roadways.
I've now come to learn that "partially covered" means there are only drifts completely across the road every 20 yards or so. Apparently if the roads aren't wall-to-wall drifts...
Have to admit though, the blowing snow out the window did not look inviting, still, we thought we could make it. Ethan and I braved the near blizzard winds to clear out the main drift, which took less than 30 minutes.
By the time we'd eaten lunch and started out, it had blown shut, but Ma rammed the car through, much to the delight of three young lads.
Out on the road, however, there were sections with almost no visibility. As in, "I think I'm getting scared," visibility. I told Ethan that if we made it past the concrete bridge, we'd probably get out to the paved road alright, but I was reserving the right to turn around at any time. We even had a snow shovel in the trunk for facilitating the bridge drift.
Routinely bucking 1 ft drifts I proceeded somewhat doubtfully until we came to the second of three crossroads.
Whoa Nelly! There was a diagonal drift across the entire junction, higher than the car's hood. Ethan wanted to get out and shovel through (!) but given the dimensions and the 0 degree wind chill, and the knowledge that it would only be worse by the time we came home, I said, "Nope. That's it. We have to go back. Sorry."
They were disappointed but bore up well as I made a 5-point turn-around.
Back home we went, probably the only car out since the mailman.
Since then, all counties to the west of us are under a blizzard warning. And being 1-mile from said blizzard warning, and viewing the out-of-doors, I can safely say we are in a blizzard.
We'll try again tomorrow, if the drift-buster gets through.
But the weather guys owe us chocolate chips and cheese. And eggs.
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If I had KNOWN we'd end up with blizzard conditions, I COULD have managed the groceries on Saturday, even with a sore knee.
All morning I was planning to take the three little boys shopping after lunch. We did receive our mail and there was nothing stronger than a weather advisory, with our county at the eastern edge.
A careful eye was kept on the road conditions, and even though the Des Moines area was designated "travel not recommended," our patch seemed fairly clear, with only partially covered roadways.
I've now come to learn that "partially covered" means there are only drifts completely across the road every 20 yards or so. Apparently if the roads aren't wall-to-wall drifts...
Have to admit though, the blowing snow out the window did not look inviting, still, we thought we could make it. Ethan and I braved the near blizzard winds to clear out the main drift, which took less than 30 minutes.
By the time we'd eaten lunch and started out, it had blown shut, but Ma rammed the car through, much to the delight of three young lads.
Out on the road, however, there were sections with almost no visibility. As in, "I think I'm getting scared," visibility. I told Ethan that if we made it past the concrete bridge, we'd probably get out to the paved road alright, but I was reserving the right to turn around at any time. We even had a snow shovel in the trunk for facilitating the bridge drift.
Routinely bucking 1 ft drifts I proceeded somewhat doubtfully until we came to the second of three crossroads.
Whoa Nelly! There was a diagonal drift across the entire junction, higher than the car's hood. Ethan wanted to get out and shovel through (!) but given the dimensions and the 0 degree wind chill, and the knowledge that it would only be worse by the time we came home, I said, "Nope. That's it. We have to go back. Sorry."
They were disappointed but bore up well as I made a 5-point turn-around.
Back home we went, probably the only car out since the mailman.
Since then, all counties to the west of us are under a blizzard warning. And being 1-mile from said blizzard warning, and viewing the out-of-doors, I can safely say we are in a blizzard.
We'll try again tomorrow, if the drift-buster gets through.
But the weather guys owe us chocolate chips and cheese. And eggs.
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posted by Ma Hoyt | 3:34 PM
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