Big Storm

So everyone knows about this week's big storm...here's how it went down for us. On Monday night, we had about 3-4 inches of snow here, which was just the precursor to the main storm. So Tuesday was pretty much business as usual (despite the snowy roads). But we kept hearing the news about how bad the approaching storm could be, and I felt awfully nervous about my 8:30 class on Wednesday. Thankfully, I had discussed some possible scenarios with the ESL program director a couple of weeks ago, so I at least had an idea of when it would be appropriate for me to cancel class (even if BGSU didn't).

It started snowing here at about 6, and we were thankful that Mark's evening rehearsal had been postponed till later this week. The weather people were saying we'd have 6-10 inches overnight, with the possibility of sleet and freezing rain. Counties in our area began declaring snow emergencies using Ohio's 3-level system. Level 3 is the worst, and the BGSU policy is to only close if we're at a Level 3. But, during my previous conversation with the director of our program, she suggested that it would be appropriate to cancel class if we reach a Level 2. So, when Wood County declared a Level 2 emergency last night, I went ahead and canceled my 8:30 class. I checked again in the morning (several times, and after sleeping a bit restlessly...). By about 8am, I decided to cancel my office hours and 11:30 class. That is my small one (with 4 students), and since snow was expected to continue falling through the day, I decided it was fine to let it go.

Mark, on the other hand, did go in to teach his 9:30 class. He'd been in touch with his supervisor and thought he should only cancel if she canceled her morning classes. When he didn't hear from her, he braved the storm! He left the house as bundled up as possible, thinking he might walk or drive, depending on how it looked. The snow was still really deep on the sidewalks (they were just starting on the snow removal at our place), so he opted to drive. It took him 15 minutes to get the ice scraped off the car and get out of the parking lot, but he did make it to school safely. (I was pretty anxious till I knew he got there ok). Thankfully, his supervisor did decide to cancel her meeting with the TAs later in the morning, so Mark was able to come right home after class.

I have firmly decided that the winter weather is infinitely more pleasant when it can be enjoyed from inside without having to worry about traveling in it.

However, I did realize that I wished for this much snow as a kid, and now I have it. So I bundled myself up in layers (2 shirts, 3 pairs of pants, thick socks, boots, gloves, coat, hat) and went out front to build a snowman. Unfortunately, as you'll see below, the snow was totally uncooperative. The mini-snowman was the best I could do. So, I guess I'll have to give it another try next time we get a few inches (I probably won't have to wait too long!).

Here's some assorted pics from today. Most of them are the typical out the front window shots, but I did take one looking out of the back side of the building, and I caught the snow removal in our parking lot. I also dragged Mark out to document my playing in the snow--you can see the big piles thanks to the snow plows.

 This one shows how much snow ended up in our patio area. That's all wind... (I'm SO glad we sprung for the furniture cover!)