We’re currently experiencing this season’s first snow day. Observe:
This is what I saw this morning when I woke. If I lift my head just a little, I can see the three windows across my bedroom, and these white pines dominate the frame of the sills:
This is what we see from the side window at the front door:
I’m surprised by the fact that, even though I’m in the heart of New England, these pictures remind me of Japanese snow scenes. Maybe it’s the pines.
So far, we’ve only got about three inches out there. The forecast is calling for a 100% chance of more snow – they’re saying another 5 inches is likely to fall – and the local news website lists a total of 581 closings and delays (the girls’ schools and TCC are closed, Local University is not. Mr. Chili’s response to that? “Yeah, I don’t teach classes; I’m not going in.”)
Today
Snow/Sleet
In other news, Mr. Chili went to his parents’ church yesterday to extend an olive branch after sending his email on Saturday night. His dad was happy to see him and they had a lovely visit (though Dad doesn’t sit through sermons anymore, it seems; he’s busy shuffling between the pulpit and the a/v equipment he operates for the church). His mother, who sings in the choir, completely ignored him: didn’t look at him, didn’t speak to him after the service was over. Mr. Chili is resigned, it seems, to recognizing that he can’t control how others respond to him – he can only control what he does.
Change is hard, but necessary for growth.
I am responding from the warmth of my bed. I love snow days! I guess I am still a kid at heart!
As for your MIL…if she continues this childish behavior, Christmas may be quieter than she expected. It’s a shame.
I know you were hoping for a school day today but at least the whole fam damily is staying home, huh?
You have the bad childhood, you envy your husband his good one. You alienate your parents and convince him to do the same. Bravo! Don’t cry when your kids do the same!
********splat!******
There. I just threw a solidly packed rock of a snowball at Anonymous for you.
There always has to be a troll…
Sounds like the Matriarchal Chili is the one who needs to be treated like a child, seeing as she’s acting like one.
Looks pretty outside your window.
I’ll be nice and not pose a view outside mine.
Actually, Gerry, I wouldn’t mind seeing a palm tree or exotic flower right about now – cold, white and grey can only take one so far, and we’ve got a long few months ahead of us. Keep me in orchids and bougainvillea and sunshing on your site, would you?
Okay, I’ll keep you in mind when shooting flora.
I need your input on something, maybe your computer-savvy honey can help. Apparently google/blogger has changed it’s comment page. It seems when I comment on a blogger blog, I must either be anonymous or my old (indestructible) blogger self. The link to that blog will tell people to come to my wordpress blog, but I hate for people to have to take two steps. I can identify myself in my comments, but I don’t know how to make that a hotlink (although html can be used, but I don’t know how).
Have you run into this? Any thoughts?
Good on you for standing your ground. Sometime people have to be pushed to see another’s point of view and I am glad you Chilis did, with love, but with firmness.
SNOW!! Tra lala ! It is so beautiful out there right now, as my kids, pink-cheeked from outside exertions, sit at their computers; I’m tossing them back out as soon as their gloves finish up in the dryer.
I am extremely jealous right now. It’s a good thing I love you, or I’d be thinking mean thoughts right now.
I want SNOW!
(Also, I’m really impressed with y’all. It’s hard to stand up to a parent’s censure and not cave in. Go Chilis!)
It’s the adult version of a tantrum. Poor Mr. Chili. Give him a hug for us.
Mean people suck. But bless them all, for life is a magnificent dichotomy where contrast provides opportunity for introspection, growth and forgiveness…as well as perspective. Choice only exists when there is variety. We cannot experience love and joy in the absence of their opposites. Bring on the darkness, so that we may see our own light! Bring on the mean people, so that we may appreciate the kindness of others.
Bring on the snow, so that spring sunshine will taste twice as sweet! (:
I’m sending ugly thoughts your way because I want a snow day too. Can you feel the negative energy?
Now, to balance that… Hang in there regarding the fam. Regardless of what cowardly anonymous trolls (I got one the other day too) have to say, you’re doing the right thing. Whether people like it or not, change is inevitable. And EVERYONE, even the older generation, must either go with the changes, or be left behind.