We were able to squeeze in Errand Day on Thursday, ahead of the upcoming storm. I wanted to make sure The Pony was prepared.
"Do you need things from the store while we're there? Because you won't want to get out. Tomorrow the high will be in single digits, and the wind chill below zero. Then the snow Friday night and Saturday. You don't need to be out getting food, or making someone else risk their life to deliver it."
"I have a few things to get, like apples and peanut butter and bread. But my freezer is full."
So I was relieved when I dropped The Pony off later. No need to get out in the dangerous weather.
"When I leave, you back your car out, and then back into your driveway. That way you're facing out, in case the street gets plowed and leaves a snowbank. Also, if your car won't start, Dad can pull in nose-to-nose to jump your battery. Or AAA, or whoever. But they won't have to drive in your yard and risk sliding down into your car or the house."
"Yeah. I'm pretty sure my battery won't be a problem, because Dad just got me a new one a few months ago."
"You never know with these below-zero temperatures for four days!"
"Okay. And I'll also pop up my windshield wipers. Because I know how hard it is to get them loose with snow or ice over them."
Of course I called when I got home, to make sure The Pony had done those two things. As well as open up the kitchen cabinets under the sink, to help the water not freeze, and let the tap drip.
"Yeah. But I didn't turn on the water yet. And I'm leaving the windshield wipers down, because I checked, and I need to pick up a refill on one of my prescriptions tomorrow."
"Tomorrow! It's going to be so cold!"
"I'll be fine, Mom. I've been out in the cold before."
"You wear a coat! And actual SHOES! Not those slides!"
"Okay. I will."
"And text me when you're back home and inside the house!"
"I will, Mother."
Except Friday at 11:00, The Pony sent me a text:
"I just checked, I can wait until Monday or Tuesday to get the prescription so I won't do a town trip. So you can relax. I love you, Mom!"
"There might be snow then!!! And it'll be just as cold! You can go today. Safer today."
The Pony waffled on that idea. But a phone call and my insistence that being out on a cold day was better than being out on a cold day with snow on the roads. The Pony countered that the roads would be clear on Tuesday. I begged to differ. "The chemicals won't work at temps this low! We're getting 9-12 inches! Those roads won't be clear for a while. And the pharmacy might be closed, because their workers can't get in."
By 12:30, The Pony was ready to leave. It was the lesser of two possible heart attacks for me! The Pony agreed to text me at each stop. Which now included lunch out.
It looked delicious to me, who was having no lunch. Except for the sushi. I recognize white rice, crab rangoons, and sweet and sour chicken. I'd eat the other stuff, too, though I don't know what it is.
Anyhoo... The Pony was home by 1:47. With the refill. Backed in. Wipers up.
Such a relief. It's really hard for my helicopter to lift off, in singe digit temps, especially after being up on blocks for so long.
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