Snow Days are the Best

This weekend we got hammered by winter storm Jonas (why must they be named?) and woke up to an absolutely absurd amount of snow on Sunday. It looked waist deep and the kids couldn’t wait to get out in it. After gulping down a piece of toast, they ran out, still in pj’s under their snow pants. More kids came over and they built a snow fort and sledded down the crazy huge drift that had blown up the side of the house. They crushed massive snowballs on each other’s heads. It was cold and bright and they were all having a blast.

The adults banded together to get the job done, slowly working back toward a norm that felt miles away. We shared shovels and beers, swapping stories along the way. We talked about how not losing power the day before – something we’d all been dreading and bracing for – turned our time trapped indoors into something that was actually kind of fun. There was nothing to do but hang out and take it slow. Some had baked cookies to warm up the house and invented silly games while waiting for the timer to go off. Others had created a Lego planet that filled their entire living room. We’d all eaten way too much and needed a nice long winter nap before tackling the snow.

Dudes on the driveway (doesn’t it look like high school?)

When it’s cold out, we usually hurry indoors which means we don’t bump into each other like we do when the weather is nice. Winter is also a busy time of year so socializing takes some effort and planning. The storm grounded us and put everything on hold, so we had a lot of quality time on our hands. And we all had work to do in the yard so we were all out there at the same time. It was like a block party only there wasn’t any dancing and it was freezing so everyone had hat hair and wanted coffee spiked with Bailey’s instead of sangria.

With the sidewalks cleared, I went inside to throw on pots of simple stew with what was left in the fridge – vegetables, beans and spices. I didn’t think to write down the recipe because it just wasn’t that kind of day. The next door neighbors brought snacks and the ones across the street brought dessert. Everyone brought booze. The food was uncomplicated and easy going, just like the company. We ate and drank and ate some more. Then all the phones started ringing at the same time and we got word that tomorrow would be a snow day. The kids cheered and the parents sighed but quickly realized it meant no one had to rush home and get ready to face Monday. Sometimes having the weather ruin your weekend can turn it into something even better.