restless...

 I'm feeling restless today.  I think it's the proverbial 'calm before the storm.' It's very cold outside, ten degrees to be exact (and we won't even talk about the windchill factor). There is still snow on the ground from the last snowfall but the streets are clear and driving is not hazardous.  The sun has been shining brightly most of the day and all seems right with the world.

Except, all the birds have disappeared and all of the squirrels are in hiding.  What do they know that I don't?

In olden days I suspect that farmers could experience a day like today and sense that a change was coming.  We were driving in Amish territory earlier today, going to our favorite bakery, and I was surprised at how many horses were out grazing in the pastures.  A few had blankets on but most did not and the cold did not seem to be bothering them at all.  I suspect that sunshine on their backs really helped their comfort level.  The weather people delight in telling us how cold it feels with the wind chill (-32 degrees this morning) but they never talk about the 'sun warm' factor.  You know it's true, when you step outside and feel sunshine on your face, regardless of temperature, it feels better than stepping outside on a gray cloudy day. 

However, as I said earlier, sunshine or no sunshine, I am feeling very restless today.  It's because, thanks to modern technology, I know that something is coming.  I even know when.  Tomorrow night it will start to snow and it will continue to snow all day Sunday, or so they say.  I've heard predictions of anywhere from two to nine inches of the fluffy white stuff.  The weatherpersons' maps are showing lots of purple.

We are making preparations.  Most schools were closed or having only e-learning classes today (same difference).  Our church has decided to hold only on-line worship on Sunday which is just fine with me, and, hopefully, the person hired to clear the streets in our subdivision will be able to do so.  The last person quit after only one street.

My west coast brother informed me that today is "Snowplow Mailbox Hockey Day."  If we get the snow when they say we'll get it, I think that Monday is much more likely to be the day when we see Snowplow Mailbox Hockey being played.

It's a real thing.  I lost a mailbox to a snowplow several years ago. At that time I lived on a county road and the snowplows moved along at a pretty impressive speed.  I happened to be at home (snowed in of course) and heard the collision.  It made quite an interesting noise.  Sort of a CLANG! BANG! CRASH! "Oh sh....." kind of noise.  

I don't know for sure what this weekend will bring but you can be sure I will report about it on Monday.  Meanwhile I think I'll fix myself and my spouse some hot cocoa.