NOTE: This piece originally ran as a Sanity Check column in the Dayton Daily News several years ago. Given the snow and -6 F temperature in my area, I thought it was worth a re-run!
Snow Day One.
Dear Diary,
What a delightful day with the children! School was cancelled due to a snow day—well, really, a bitter cold day, with a wind chill temperature of negative 20. Brrrr!
I made scrambled eggs and cinnamon toast for breakfast; a rare treat on weekday mornings, since we’re usually so rushed.
One of the benefits of self-employment is getting to take a snow day with my darling progeny! So, after breakfast, we all cuddled up in front of a blazing fire in the family room fireplace, read books, and played many games of Yahtzee, Uno, and Backgammon. Then we had hot chocolate. Even the cats and dog curled up at our feet. So cozy!
I’m so glad I took the day off to share with my beautiful offspring, as I’m sure tomorrow it will be warm enough for school to resume.
Snow Day Two.
Dear Diary,
What a surprise! A second day of school cancelled, again due to cold weather.
Warmed up left-over scrambled eggs and cinnamon toast for the children. They complained that the food was rubbery, but I patiently pointed out that elsewhere are plenty of children who would love a warm breakfast, however rubbery.
One can only take off so many days, even if self-employed, so I tried to work. Notice the word “tried.” With one kid watching TV, and the other listening to the radio, it was difficult to concentrate.
So I suggested the kids play Yahtzee and Backgammon and Uno again, just the two of them, while mom worked. Well, I tried to work—but I had to stop a few times to interpret rules.
No fire in the fireplace today… although I did light a candle and say a prayer.
The cats and dog are hiding.
Ah well. It’s supposed to warm up tomorrow.
Snow Day Three.
Dear Diary,
Yeah, it’s another !#$% snow day. This time because it really did snow.
Told the little rug rats they could scrounge up their own blasted breakfast; what’m I—their personal chef?
So they arm wrestled for the last piece of leftover cinnamon toast, and the dog came out of hiding to eat the last of the rubbery eggs. Haven’t seen cats.
Suggested to spouse that perhaps the kids should go see where daddy works. I guess he didn’t hear me through his ear muffs, since he didn’t respond… but he did look panicked as he ran out the door.
Thought I might have a few moments peace when the urchins got out Yahtzee, Uno and Backgammon on their own. But no. Who knew there were combat variations of these games?
Am considering applying for jobs that would force me to work outside my home office. Perhaps in Hawaii.
Heard a rumor we might get more snow flurries.
So instead of lighting fire or candles, I’m lighting a heat lamp and running all over town with it. Plus, I’m buying out the grocery’s salt supply and sprinkling it on the roads myself.
Not A Snow Day.
Dear Diary,
It warmed up to a balmy 20-some degrees above zero! School is in session!
The peace and quiet is astounding. I can get back to work.
Except… I think instead I might go see a counselor.
Because, truth be told, I miss my darling progeny and am counting the days until spring break…
Snow Day One.
Dear Diary,
What a delightful day with the children! School was cancelled due to a snow day—well, really, a bitter cold day, with a wind chill temperature of negative 20. Brrrr!
I made scrambled eggs and cinnamon toast for breakfast; a rare treat on weekday mornings, since we’re usually so rushed.
One of the benefits of self-employment is getting to take a snow day with my darling progeny! So, after breakfast, we all cuddled up in front of a blazing fire in the family room fireplace, read books, and played many games of Yahtzee, Uno, and Backgammon. Then we had hot chocolate. Even the cats and dog curled up at our feet. So cozy!
I’m so glad I took the day off to share with my beautiful offspring, as I’m sure tomorrow it will be warm enough for school to resume.
Snow Day Two.
Dear Diary,
What a surprise! A second day of school cancelled, again due to cold weather.
Warmed up left-over scrambled eggs and cinnamon toast for the children. They complained that the food was rubbery, but I patiently pointed out that elsewhere are plenty of children who would love a warm breakfast, however rubbery.
One can only take off so many days, even if self-employed, so I tried to work. Notice the word “tried.” With one kid watching TV, and the other listening to the radio, it was difficult to concentrate.
So I suggested the kids play Yahtzee and Backgammon and Uno again, just the two of them, while mom worked. Well, I tried to work—but I had to stop a few times to interpret rules.
No fire in the fireplace today… although I did light a candle and say a prayer.
The cats and dog are hiding.
Ah well. It’s supposed to warm up tomorrow.
Snow Day Three.
Dear Diary,
Yeah, it’s another !#$% snow day. This time because it really did snow.
Told the little rug rats they could scrounge up their own blasted breakfast; what’m I—their personal chef?
So they arm wrestled for the last piece of leftover cinnamon toast, and the dog came out of hiding to eat the last of the rubbery eggs. Haven’t seen cats.
Suggested to spouse that perhaps the kids should go see where daddy works. I guess he didn’t hear me through his ear muffs, since he didn’t respond… but he did look panicked as he ran out the door.
Thought I might have a few moments peace when the urchins got out Yahtzee, Uno and Backgammon on their own. But no. Who knew there were combat variations of these games?
Am considering applying for jobs that would force me to work outside my home office. Perhaps in Hawaii.
Heard a rumor we might get more snow flurries.
So instead of lighting fire or candles, I’m lighting a heat lamp and running all over town with it. Plus, I’m buying out the grocery’s salt supply and sprinkling it on the roads myself.
Not A Snow Day.
Dear Diary,
It warmed up to a balmy 20-some degrees above zero! School is in session!
The peace and quiet is astounding. I can get back to work.
Except… I think instead I might go see a counselor.
Because, truth be told, I miss my darling progeny and am counting the days until spring break…
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