Ice Storm 2011

Just two weeks after our "White Christmas" the weather man predicted another bout of snow and ice. Always a little skeptical of Georgia's snow predictions, I laughed about everyone going to the grocery store but headed there myself to gear up for the big snow storm. The predictions just seemed to get bigger as the weekend progressed...so the kids and I packed and headed to grand mama's to be snowed in with my parents. My kids had never gotten to play in the snow with all their cousins, since there was almost a 100% chance of snow, I figured this was a pretty sure bet. Z is always very busy when the weather is bad and I knew he would make it to work and work long days if he even came home at all. The kids were very excited at the chance to get to play with all their cousins in the snow.

Sunday night the weather started with heavy sleet falling hard and fast. We quickly loaded up the kids and the dog, kissed Z goodbye and got on the road. In my hast I forgot my camera, so all my pictures will be borrowed from my moms camera and my sister. We woke up Monday morning to about 5 inches of snow on the ground and a nasty layer of ice above that. Although not great for snowmen, it made for great sledding conditions! Our cousins had sled and ski boards that gave us a great ride. The roads were horrible, some of the worst I can remember, so everyone was pretty much home, happy to be safe and enjoying this rare snow storm that only comes to GA every 15 or so years.

Day two was even a little warmer, road conditions were still really bad, so we stayed Monday night and enjoyed another day of sledding and fun with all of the family. Tuesday afternoon Z came to get us in the truck and after a quick stop at Domino's, the only pizza place open in the county we headed home.

Snow day three after an extremely cold night left us with a blanket of ice that resembled a skating rink on the roads and in the yards. The ice was so hard you could not break through it as you walked. Myself, the kids, and the dog just skated around the yard. Risk for falling was quite high and today there was no need for a sled. You just sat down gave yourself a little push and away we went. Everyone was falling everywhere, the kids, the dog, the neighbors, and even mom and dad both feel before the crazy weather was over. Never in my lifetime have I ever seen ice like that. Taking Nate out for potty breaks took on a whole different meaning. Quite dangerous! The hills our yard were very scary for little feet and unprotected heads. Snow day three turned into a quick play outside and then back to the house for some inside playtime. With the high of 26 on Wednesday, I was not too sad to have an inside day.

While we were enjoying all the snow and ice from the comfort of home, my co-workers at the hospital were going on their 3rd day with no relief in sight. Wednesday night I took my turn sleeping at the hospital to be available in case there was need for an emergency surgery. Thursday morning we did cases and I stayed on Thursday until 5:30 finishing up the day, completing almost 20 hours straight of work. This made for a long tiring day, but I was glad to help out and offer relief for my co-workers.

Thursday--day four of the snow.... all kind of tired of the snow and ready to move on. The roads are still icy and the kids are still home from school. The ice continues to stick around. The kids had a blast at Mary's playing with Mary, Shooter, and Lauren in the snow. The golf course made for great sledding and much safer than our sloping yard.

Friday... the ice is still around but much less of it. Finally temperatures above freezing. Another long work day and the kids are at my mom's this time. It was quite a challenge getting the kids to my mom's house. We had to park at Kim's house and carefully walk the kids and Nate across the icy yard into the house. We all made it safe and sound...but there was no driving in my moms driveway! Way too icy and dangerous. Finally a little melt on Friday with the warming temps and finally at last we were saying good bye to the ice storm of 2011!