If you drink, don’t drive. Don’t even putt.
— Dean Martin
Today, the National Weather Service map has a big purple blob over the Sandpoint area, indicating a heavy snow warning. As it turns out, the view outside my window agrees; it is actually snowing. If the NWS is correct in their prediction (which is always debatable) we could end up with about 6 inches of snow at our elevation.
To avoid driving in all this winter weather, we decided to go out and do our grocery shopping during the week instead of over the weekend. Although the day we went out wasn’t ideal, the weather service wasn’t issuing hazardous travel warnings either. This year apparently, 30 people have died on Idaho highways.
People often have chastised me for skipping Christmas or New Year’s parties because I didn’t want to head out into foul weather. I’ve been called wimpy and told that I should just "suck it up" and go where I need to go. Last year, I took a class and I decided that I shouldn’t be wimpy about going to the holiday party. On the way to town, as I was driving down a hill, my car did a 180 leaving me pointed back up the hill. I took it as a sign and proceeded back up the hill and on home. I made myself some comfort food and went to bed.
Unfortunately, not everyone agrees with Dean Martin when it comes to drinking and driving. I really don’t want to encounter those folks on some icy road late at night. So once again this year, at the risk of being non-festive, I’m going to be at home for New Year’s Eve.
I hope everyone has a happy and safe new year!