SNOW Day 2010

Here in eastern North Carolina we were most recently blessed with a blanket of snow and ice. This frosty mess has halted almost every aspect of our lives the past few days. It started snowing on Friday night and continued into Saturday. On Saturday the snow turned to sleet and continued on into the afternoon. That night we got another dusting of snow and clear skies...which made it even colder. It is now Monday and it was the first sign of melting. School has been canceled for 2 days just because the ice is a major factor and the municipalities and state just don't have the equipment to handle this kind of ice.

I grew up in Colorado where the school buses basically plowed the roads on their way to pick up all the kids. It was rural and not much around. Many roads were just dirt and never even got plowed (or maintained). But in Colorado the sun comes out and melts things fast and people are used to the icy weather. The road crews have the equipment to deal with it and you learn how to drive in it as soon as you get your license. I delivered pizzas in college and had my little car high centered in the deep snow more than once!

Many transplanted folks around here just don't seem to understand this concept. Every region has its own little 'quirks' and they should be proud of them. What holds as normal in New Mexico has probably never been heard of in Minnesota! The fact that most homes in Florida have only tile floors seems crazy to someone from a colder climate where that carpeted floor is cozy on your toes. The New Yorkers don't understand having to drive to get to the store, school, theater or grandma's house and those from Colorado can't imagine having anything like that so close and convenient!

I love it here in North Carolina! It seems like a wonderful compromise of many regions. It is becoming a popular relocation state because it does have a lot to offer. I am loving the 4 seasons we get here especially the 'short' winters. I love the fact that they panic at the thought of 2 inches of snow. I'll trade that for the 6 month winter in Colorado anyday!

I have not experienced an ice storm here yet and really could wait for that one. The only ice in this last storm is what got left on the ground. I like the power lines right where they are. But whatever the weather holds for us....we have a generator, water and supplies.....Bring it on.....and hurry up summer!

School Starts 2009

It's official...the kiddos started school today. They were understandably excited, anxious and even a little scared. My freshman is starting a school with nearly 2300 students - the largest she has even seen. She told me that her school was larger than the mall and that was just wrong! My 8th grader is headed back to rule the school and was excited about seeing all her friends. I am just happy to have my house back during the day! They have been driving each other crazy all summer and it will be interesting to see how they react to each other now that they head in opposite directions every day.

I have one more night of insurance class and then time to study before I schedule my state exams. I am preparing to enter the mighty world of insurance and am excited for this change as well. This is a whole new thing for all of us but I know I can do it and am ready for a career. This will also allow me to set my own schedule so I am not a slave to a cubicle and I can be available for the kid's activities.

My husband is preparing for a little more alone time but since the Dr. said he can get out more I am also expecting him to get a life again. We have several neighbors that are home during the day and they always have a "project" going on and some trips to the community center and pool could be good for him too.

We are hoping to get back out to the coast again soon. Maybe a trip down to Wilmington since I have not been there yet. This photo was taken in New Bern, NC spring break this year when we stopped for lunch downtown. We were only traveling thru but hope to be back next summer for their 300th anniversary. There was a lot of construction going on to prepare but it is one very cool town....its also the birthplace of Pepsi Cola. Check out the official website for the celebration.
http://www.newbern300th.com/