Thursday, January 30, 2014

Ice Day 2014 : The Details

Yes, I realize how ridiculous that title sounds. One day in an entire year where we have ice. I also know that much of the nation is laughing at the supposed absurdity of how the south handled the ice storm. So let me take this time to put in my two cents - for what it's worth.

You see, the south was not prepared. Not because we didn't know it was coming. Not because we are stupid and don't know how to handle ourselves. Need I remind you that we can handle hurricanes like pros. I seem to recall a certain "super storm" in recent years past that devastated an area whose infrastructure couldn't withstand that type of impact. Same goes for ice in the south. We aren't prepared for that type of weather. We haven't driven on ice or snow and don't know how to adjust our driving to accommodate it. Heck, we don't even have the snow tires or chains. The majority of us don't even have fireplaces. Or heavy jackets. We don't have trucks that spread salt and make the roads safer for people to get to work. In short, just because one region is well-equipped for a certain type of weather doesn't mean the whole nation is prepared for everything. *Steps off soap box*

Moving on.

Here in Florida, ice is just something you put in your sweet tea. {Well, not me. I don't like ice in my drinks since it just waters it down, but I digress.} It is definitely not something you find outside covering any surface. Except yesterday we did and it was glorious!



If you looked from the inside out, it actually looked like snow which was so exciting. Until you tried to step outside and slipped and fell on your behind. Not that I speak from experience or anything. Just sayin'.


It rained so much the day and night prior that EVERYTHING was covered in a relatively thick layer of ice - cars included.







I thought these branches were amazing. I mean they were completely surrounded by ice. That meant that the rain had to freeze so quickly around the branch that it turned to ice as soon as it hit. So cool! Go science!




We found this little gem in the front yard. Apparently, water froze on a leaf then let the leaf go but kept the indention. Seriously, Mother Nature knows how to have a good time.


We spent a while defrosting and scraping our car windshields and sheets of ice crumbled down the incline. Picture time!


Funny story : I wouldn't let Craig scrape this wiper until I got a shot of this band of ice. Ok, so that isn't a funny story per se, but I had to say something about this. I mean, how can you not mention something about a chunk of ice stuck to your car?! Am I right? No? Ok, then.


So maybe us southerners go a little crazy for snow ice, but cut us a little slack. It is something that only happens once every 1,000 years or something. And it only lasts a day. {This weekend's forecasted high is in the 70's.} We are allowed to go a little nuts.

Of course I also took pictures of us playing in the ice. I figured they deserved their own post though so I will share our actual adventures tomorrow. Get ready for more craziness. It's coming.





2 comments:

  1. It's so pretty! And really is fascinating how the ice froze around the branches and leaves!

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    1. So glad I am not the only one who thought so. Nerds unite!

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