Winter 2019: The De-Evolution of the Snow Day
Snow Day #1
Friday, December 14
Alarm clocks are silenced.
School closings scroll across the television like answered prayers.
Aromas: fresh coffee, hot chocolate, homemade soup.
Snuggling on the couch, followed by several good runs on the toboggan down the hills at Old Man Fisher's Farm.
Cozy children in matching mittens, hats and scarves rush in with pink cheeks, just right for kissing.
The dog languishes in the cold patch of sun beneath the window.
The perfect transition from autumn to winter.
Commitments forgotten.
Nothing matters but family.
One day. At home. Together.
Snow Day #2
Thursday, January 24
A delightful surprise!
Two snow days in one winter!
Good fortune abounds.
The homemade soup was a chore, a special treat just for the first snow.
Perhaps tacos today.
One, extra, joy-filled hug.
Extended snuggles are difficult with the fire going full blast in here.
Is anyone else hot?
We'll take a few more runs at Old Man Fisher's in the late afternoon.
This is a good opportunity to catch up on laundry.
Blessed with the gift of extra time.
A lone mitten hangs on the line, the other left behind, a beautiful sacrifice to the snow-covered hills.
Where are your boots?
Don't let the dog in today.
He's wet and he smells.
Snow Day #3
Wednesday, February 6
Thrice—this is unheard of.
Hopeful pleas for a few more runs down at the farm.
You know...I don't know.
There really isn't even an "Old Man Fisher". I think that guy is his son...
I guess.
Later.
Later.
Please stop asking or we won't go at all.
I don't know what happened to your mitten.
You left it?
I'm not buying another one.
Wear last year's.
There's a Pittsburgh Steelers stocking cap somewhere.
Just wear it.
Where's your thumb?
Where's your thumb?
You have to help me out here.
Ugh, your cheeks.
Dry, cracked skin, turned to a bright red rash.
I don't think I should touch that.
Maybe we shouldn't go out.
Do you suppose we can get in to the doctor?
The dog really is fine out there.
Snow Day #4
Wednesday, February 13
A balled-up sock sails through the air and hits the smiling news reporter squarely in the face.
Sleep now.
Snow Day #5
Tuesday, February 26
It has been winter for three years straight.
School will be in session until the fourth of July.
So much shit has been cancelled.
How will we ever make up all this shit?
A rare treat; pajama day and unlimited screen time.
Maybe my sister will stop in.
Outside contact.
Maybe she will bring a pizza.
No. No. We're not going sledding. No.
How are you hungry? We just ate lunch.
If you're so bored, I can find you something to do.
Okay, then.
Seriously, I just mopped.
Put him out.
Snow Day #6
Wednesday, February 27
The hell? Again?
Damn it.
The roads are fine, but, whatever.
I mean, I could understand if it was a safety thing, but this?
Just get the pads charged up.
Keep the pads charged up.
Should they change out of those pajamas?
I guess it's okay as long as their underwear are clean.
Fine. Let him in.
What does it matter, at this point?
Does anything matter anymore?
Is there more weather on the way?
Thank God, it looks clear for awhile.
Oh.
Look.
Spring Break is in nine days.
One week. At home. Together.
