Monday Musings

  The first big storm of 2025 arrived over the weekend. Governor Stein declared a  State of Emergency  before the event to permit citizens and civil authorities to prepare properly. The white fluff was only a few inches deep, but the icy rain that preceded the snow made for a deadly combination. Our area received about 4 inches. Traffic on the main highway in our area, NC Route 421, between Wilkesboro and Boone, was at a standstill for several hours due to two semis jackknifing, one on either side of the road, near Deep Gap. Closer to home, our serpentine mountain roads, with several steep grades, were a nightmare. Two construction pickups with trailers jackknifed and blocked egress. Our postman slid all the way down the community entrance road, across the county road, and down the opposite embankment into some trees. Several residents had to abandon their vehicles on the roadside after failing to climb the rise. At least 20 cars got stuck on the two-mile county access ro...

  Blizzards  and ice storms are impacting a large portion of the US. I spent over 50 years in northern climates: Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Montana. Today, I live in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, where we are usually blessed with a temperate climate. These days, I dread going out if wintry weather is predicted. Unlit, narrow, switchback mountain roads with no guardrails can be treacherous if covered in ice and snow, especially if untreated with salt or unplowed. I awoke to an icy fog, pine boughs bowed with the weight of icicles. As the sun rose and its radiant heat bore down on the scene, a constant “raining” sound occurred: the tinkle of ice and dripping water. Now, the trees stand upright, branches raised. It’s a good day to stay inside. Chili is cooking in the Crockpot, the aroma warming the senses. The perfect time to snuggle down with a good book. Or maybe go out and frolic in the snow, like these folks in  Washington, DC . You can view a delightful ...