Wand’ring Thru Wayne & Pike County PA

Monday night, another mom called to ask me if I had heard that the pending field trip to Harrisburg for Tuesday was cancelled…because of snow.

“SNOW?” I bellowed.  Softening a bit, I recalled an October day 5 years ago, when we received a dusting of snow.  My kids were ecstatic and got the sleds out – but after only two runs down the slope the snow was gone.  I came back to the present.

“I doubt they’ll cancel it,” I said.  “How much snow could we get?”

6:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 28. I peeked out the window – whoa – what’s this?  The ground is covered.  I

Snow Came Early to Lake Wallenpaupack!

had a sick feeling in my stomach; my son was going to be devastated that yet another field trip will be canceled due to weather.

Well, it was much more interesting than a canceled trip.  Hubby turned on the TV and we watched in surprise as the school closings scrolled by.  I snorted when I saw “Wallenpaupack Area School District – CLOSED TODAY.”

Marveling at how quick the schools are to close these days, we were probably ready to launch a trip down memory lane – remember how we walked 3 miles uphill both ways in blizzards to get to school? – when we were interrupted by a snapping sound – and the TV went off.  Then it came back on – but then it went off again, for good.  Along with the lights. Hmmmm.

We were not prepared.  The kids had no snow boots yet – I thought I had till at least Halloween was past before I had to think about snow stuff.  We had no bottled water, but we did have flashlights, a kerosene heater, and some oil lamps.

By late morning, I bravely ventured out to Wal*Mart with the kids.  Soon, the hubby called to say the power was restored, but I bought some bottled water anyway…along with boots and snow pants.  We got some popcorn and movies from Blockbuster.

After a supper of hot tomato soup, we decided not to watch a movie – the power flickered again.  I lit the oil lamp, and we got out the Sorry! game.  We finished out the evening munching on chips and saying “Sooooorrrry!” without really meaning it.

WINTER IN THE POCONOS – Be Prepared in Case of A Power Outage!

Kerosene Lamps: Handy When Power Fails

• I LOVE my gas range/oven.  I can light the burners with a match.
• Have a kerosene heater or some other heating device not dependent upon electricity.  Some pellet, coal, and wood burning stoves may rely on blowers to radiate heat – which means they rely on electricity.
• Have a supply of bottled water on hand.
• When a winter storm is predicted, fill your tub with water for flushing toilets.
• Oil lamps, flashlights, and batteries are a no-brainer.
• Oh yeah, buy your kids their snow-pants and boots before Halloween.

Last November, I created a slide show after an overnight snowstorm transformed our area from autumn to winter with a lovely, soft, white blanket of snow.  I thought I’d share it again – enjoy!

CLICK HERE – OVERNIGHT “SNOW”-SATION

This has been another Wild Card Wednesday post.