The Lonesome Road

I went to college for some work this afternoon. Before leaving, I checked the weather report. It said : -2 C (feels like -9). An extended forecast revealed the same pattern of high winds and low temperatures would prevail through the day.

When I left the house though, the weather was quite pleasant. The sun was shining brightly (note - I did not say warmly). Made me think that the weather dudes were being pessimistic about the temperature.

I finished my work at 5:30 PM and was soon at the bus stop, waiting for the bus to arrive. 5:45 came and went and there was no sign of the bus. The warmth retained from sitting in a heated area was soon leached away by the wind. All of us were looking at the road, praying for deliverance from the cold and the wind. But it was not to be. I was standing wearing a thick T-shirt, a sweater, a jacket, leggings and a thick pair of jeans. Also a winter cap (the one that covers the ears), gloves, and thick woolen socks. And I was cold. Really cold.

The bus finally decided to show up at 6:25. I have never been happier to see a bus in my life. Unfortunately, the heating system on the bus had decided to give up the unequal struggle with the atmospreheric conditions. I will not say the bus was freezing - but it didn’t do much to warm me either.

I thought the worst of my journey home was over.

I was wrong.

The walk from the bus stop to my house is between 8 - 10 minutes. I never knew 10 minutes could seem so long. The tone was set when I stepped off the bus and was nearly blown off my feet. Things did not get better from there.

As I continued moving (struggling) forward against the wind, I passed a sign flashing the temperature. I did not want to see it - but curiosity killed the cat - and the meter showed 25F (around -4 C). If you think that is less - please factor in the wind chill and the temperature plummets to -13C.

So, here I am, manfully struggling onwards - only to confront a new problem. The ground, thank’s to yesterdays snow, rain and sleet is covered with a thin layer of ice. Really slippery ice. Imagine walking while being pushed around by the wind and then having to look where you put your feet. Long ten minutes.

Finally, I saw the welcoming lights of home. In my hurry, I quickened my pace, stepped on the sidewalk - and encountered ICE! Only luck, and some nifty hand-and-footwork saved me from a nasty fall.

The worst part is when you step inside the house and start to thaw out - it hurts! As the circulation is restored to the frozen parts of the body, they start complaining - loudly. Still, I am glad to be back home.

Plan for this weekend : Stay indoors!

Until next time - believe the weather forecast!