This will be on the shortish side as we have to drive to Don’s eye doctor this morning for his shot. We’re supposed to get some snow, so we were debating whether to go or not, but it looks like it will be a rain/snow mix and nothing to worry about. I have to drive Don because we never know what temporary side effects there will be and let’s face it, he doesn’t need to be worrying about driving after getting a shot in the eye.

We’re still seeing 8 – 12 inches of snow on Wednesday/Thursday’s forecast. But I follow some local Hudson Valley guys who really research their forecasts. They consider every model and talk about it in detail – if you’re a weather geek, believe me, these guys are great. They’ve got a huge following. And since the Hudson Valley includes many microclimates, including mountains and valleys, their forecasts are pretty detailed. Anyway, I listened to them yesterday and the fact is – we just don’t know yet. It could veer off to the south of us and head off to the ocean and our area would have much less snow. Or, it could not do that and we’ll be pummelled. There are about three different models and the forecast won’t be firmed up until, most likely, tomorrow. We have a bit of work to do tomorrow in prep, work that would have to be done anyway.

But today is about Don’s appointment and me trying to drink coffee early enough so that I don’t have to pee while waiting outside for him in the car. I’m being honest here. Everything we do involves that calculation nowadays! Last time we went, I was allowed to go inside and take care of business and that office may be the safest place to use the facilities! Every precaution is taken.

Just looked outside and it’s started snowing. Hmmmm. Checking forecast once again.

When I was young, I thought nothing of driving in snow. I wasn’t exactly fearless, but I was relatively unfazed by large amounts of snow coming down and low visibility. I once drove across the state of Michigan with three passengers in my car in the middle of a blizzard in order to go to the wedding of one of our friends. All the way across the state. I once spun out on an on ramp to a major highway in Detroit and ended up facing an oncoming semi. Thankfully, he was driving very slowly – it was snowing heavily – and patiently waited for me to turn the car around.  (That time I was scared.) Don and I drove in one of the worst blizzards in recent memory while staying in Calgary. We were on our way to an inn. As we drove on and on during that endless trip, we saw car after car off on the side of the road, having skidded off the slippery highway. We could barely see. We considered turning back, but would have had the same problem, so we just kept going. Very, very slowly. It took hours. But we made it.

However, we just wouldn’t do that nowadays. We’re much more cautious. It’s not worth it!

Okay, my friends. I hope you’re doing well. I’m just about to drink that second cup of coffee and then it’s off to the eye doctor.

Happy Birthday to my dear cousin, Eileen!

UPDATE: We decided to reschedule the appointment. They were great and understood and it’s now next Tuesday. We just feel better not having to navigate all the winding roads that lead to the bridge crossing the Hudson River.

Stay safe.

Happy Monday.