It's been awhile since I've written... or even been online. Work hours have been long, and the weather tiring. We haven't had much snow, but the temps and wind have been very much winter. Yesterday morn, with a temp of 12 F I donned lots of layers; thermals, 2 pairs of sweat pants, the dress pants for work, a thermal long sleeve, the white dress shirt, and that, oh so impressive red vest ( yuck), and a heavy fisherman-weave sweater. Before pulling on my coat, I decided to weigh myself for laughs - the clothing I had on weighed 20 pounds!
I run another quick check on local weather, as I play make -a-mummy with my scarf, wrapping it about my face and neck - wind chill negative 6... winds 63 - 68 mph. Oh fun... I pull my woolen cap low on my head and don the coat, tieing the hood beneath my chin like a child. I pick up my bag and sling the strap over my opposing shoulder so that it runs diagonally across my chest. I have found this the most efficient carrying method of the large gym-type sack, preventing slippage and leaving my hands and arms free. Once I've pulled on my gloves, the only part of my body still visible visible is my eyes.
The wind is wicked, searching any opening in my layers to nip at the skin. By the time I reach the bridge, I am shivering, and my scarf feels damp. Snow is falling, those tiny grain like flakes, that sting , and the wind pelts them against me. I lower my head and try not to think about how much farther it is. It is there, on Memorial Bridge, without the benifit of buildings to buffet the wind some, that I am hit full force. Even with the scarf, and lowered head, the wind snatches my breath and I am forced to walk almost doubled over by it, and at an angle. I am quite literally being blown along by the wind, a metal clattering is heard as a sign goes air borne, torn from the pavement. I struggle to remain on my feet and use the the railing for support. I realize I can't even see the stone lady that awaits me at the end of the bridge, visibility is less then 3 feet. The grainy snow is falling fast and furious, but it too is at the wind's mercy and can't accumulate much. The walk across the bridge seems an eternity, but finally I reach the buildings and some relief from its force. I finally reach work, only to find the locks frozen shut. I take out my lighter and heat my key some, and manage to finally make it inside. The sign at the bank declared that it is now 14 degrees out. Oh goodie, a heat wave!
Despite the weather folks were still out trying to do holiday shopping. What is it about Christmas that makes people SO stupid? Honestly - will someone die if you don't have candy on hand? And if that toy was so vital why are you waiting until NOW to go get it? This is Illinois, people, were weather is traditionally crappy for the Holidays! Get with the programme for pity sakes! Or stop your whinning and learn to cope!
Joey , our daily cop, stops in and asks if I walked to work. He shakes his head, and tells me if he isn't on a call when I get off, he'll 'express' me home, that means by squad with lights on. The wind is strong enough, he tells me, that it is trying to lift the squad up off the road. Lots of trees and signs are being torn up by it. It is his sworn duty to 'protect and serve the people, he winks and says, "Hate to tell ya kiddo, but you are a 'people'. "
Mary, and her boys did come and get me though. YAY!
I am overly excited, because Jess will be home sometime today. Christmas Eve - our Christmas Day by tradition. Even when the kids were small, after the divorce, Santa would come early evening to our house. It saved alot of grief that way as their dad's family has a big todo Christmas Day. Of course it got a bit easier, when they got older and knew that Mom is directly related to Santa. I no longer had to pretend that I saw someone messing with my car and 'found' all these toys left by him in it. Or dream up some scheme to keep them busy in another part of the house, while I stuffed presents under the tree. Of course there was the time, he left everything in the bathroom doorway - ditched there quickly when Mother's ears heard tiny footsteps coming from the other direction, and we all stood gaped mouth, surmising that he must have been bring them and hearing us vanished in a hurry. I do sortof miss those days. but it is much easier on me now.
Merry Christmas, Everbody!