Ice, Ice Baby

Tuesday began much like Monday, cold weather included. It was only about ten degrees at sunrise. The biggest difference was the cloud cover. The day’s forecast called for sleet and rain, but I had no idea how given the bitter cold. I tried to get through my exercise routine before dealing with Landon. That endeavor was pretty much a success. 

Like the mornings before, Rocky raced for the magic box hoping to find something unique, special inside. Today he found two chocolate donuts stowed neatly in a sandwich baggie. He was pleased. 

Mindy, me, Landon and Rocky spent a relaxing morning sipping coffee and eating Xmas treats. Mindy’s goal for the day was to grocery shop. Aside from running, I had nothing major planned for the day time. However, I did plan a visit to Barley’s later in the evening hoping to hook up with a couple of my peeps. 

I left for my run a little after 9am. It was a very nice run in the cold temps. Again, running in the cold is more often than not very comfortable. Mindy & I discussed the new Honda Pilot deal, and planned to call Tony, the sales dude, later in the afternoon to begin the process. I strategically waited until about 1pm. We got the ball rolling and agreed to meet around 7pm to sign the papers.  I also called Liberty Mutual to figure out the certain increase to our auto insurance premium. 

Mindy left for the grocery leaving me alone with the boys. Rocky & I played Wii. He was a little wild today. Landon fell asleep at my side lying on the sofa and just before Mindy got home. Mindy was gone until almost 330pm. I was dog tired by the time she returned and was eager to sleep. I eventually fell asleep on the family room floor while listening to Xmas music and watching TV. 

By the time I woke, I thought I heard sleet/rain hitting the sky lights. Indeed it was. The temperature had risen to near 30 degrees. Apparently, the cold air mass was pushed out by a front out of the gulf. By the time that I walked Ykraps the stoop was once again coated with dangerously thin - hard to see – ice. I wondered briefly if I should skip the Honda deal. I called Tony once I was back. We both agreed that the roads were too bad for such an event and agreed to meet Xmas eve morning instead. He figured 20 minutes tops. 

I thought about canceling my Barley’s visit but didn’t. I trusted that the roads outside the subdivision would be clear. I left around 7:20pm. I slid out into Wilson Rd from our street after underestimating the ice. But like I figured, the main roads were very passable - only wet.

 Much to my dismay, there were very few familiar faces at Barley’s. I didn’t bother calling Tom Clark since the roads were bad. However, I did exchange emails with Bob I. earlier in the afternoon. The bar was very busy. Jim Bosch was the only person I knew. He bought me a beer. I later returned the favor. 

I didn’t stay too long, but long enough to enjoy a Xmas Ale and then an IPA. With about ½ a beer remaining, I ordered some Gate of Hell wings to-go along with a jug of IPA. The IPA, incidentally, is about as good as it’s ever been. Great job!

I called Mindy before leaving to see if she was hungry. She wasn’t. Home I headed.

 Save for some ice in the parking lot, the roads were fine until I hit our subdivision. Remembering earlier troubles I proceeded with caution. I tested my ability to brake. Sure enough, dangerous ice – and much worse than earlier. Yikes! I slid all the way down our street. As I approached our drive I tried braking gently going about as slow as possible. Even still, I began to slide. Boy, was I nervous. What was making it really slick was the warm rain hitting the solid base of ice underneath. I slid about 50 feet past our drive. I could see other vehicles coming down the street sliding/weaving as well. It was darn near impassable. I tried to get up our drive several times but to no avail. I stopped trying when I nearly slammed into our mailbox. I went and fetched Mindy for help. I knew that I couldn’t leave the Trooper where it was. Other cars would almost surely hit it as bad as it was.

 While Mindy guarded the Trooper, I fetched traffic cones and salt from the shed. After about ten minutes, it became obvious that the salt would not provide the traction necessary to get the Trooper up the driveway without sliding right back down. Our drive is just too steep and was too slick.

 Mindy talked me into trying to back up and away from the curb & mailbox, which was literally an inch or two from trashing the passenger side of my vehicle. I contemplated tearing out my mailbox to insure no damage to my vehicle. Mindy thought that was over the top and foolish. If backing away worked, I would drive around the corner and park in a secure little cul-de-sac. The plan worked well. I moved in my mirrors and walked home.

 Mindy was wrapping gifts inside. I ate my order of wings and poured an IPA. Very satisfying! I plopped down on the sofa tuning into an episode of The Universe on the Science Channel. I fell asleep with a blanket pulled over my face. Mindy woke me for bed just before midnight.