Texas Needs Training

Insulated Gloves Help Keep Hot Coffee From Burning Your Hand

Texans can be as silly as Angelenos about the weather. Cycler's comments about the Rice students staring in amazement at a little snow had me chuckling, but this morning, the "news" had stories almost as good. Due to a very light dusting of snow, schools around the area were closing. The weather/traffic people all advised us to leave "at least an hour early."

In truth, I did leave for work about twenty minutes early, just in case I encountered any slick spots. I arrived about eighteen minutes early. I did encounter four weather-related problems. First, the stretch of road crossing Highway 183 was a bit squirrely due to overenthusiastic use of deicer. It wasn't slippery - more like it had gravel on it, but the potential corrosion to my frame had me mildly concerned. Second, the handicap ramp entry to our building was really slick since they hadn't put any deicer on it - and I almost slipped. Third, I'd gotten so fascinated by the "news" that I clean forgot to bring along a fresh work shirt. Luckily, I keep one at work so that wasn't a big problem. Finally, and perhaps most serious, I forgot to bring along sugar-free coffee syrup, leading me to drink "plain" coffee on the way home. We DO have to make sacrifices to deal with the weather!

We'll see how these Texans harden up. Last night it got to 29F. Tonight, it's supposed to get to 22F, with 20F or maybe even a bit lower tomorrow night. By Friday, people may be wearing shorts when it gets back up to 40F. Me, I miss snow.

Warning. Falls Will Result in Uncontrollable Slides. Stevens Pass. Washington State