Pandemic Week 95: A Snowstorm & a Boost

 On January 2 it was 62 degrees, and we were taking down holiday lights outside without a coat on.  On January 3 we got 9 inches of snow - the most significant snowstorm in 3 years.  Even though it has been a while, we are happy to report that the Northern Virginia area did not forget how to respond to a bunch of heavy, wet snow.  In typical fashion:

  • The schools closed - for the ENTIRE week.  The storm was on Monday and we did have sub-zero weather (our children are delicate).  Actually, we think this was a blessing for the schools who got a week NOT to deal with skyrocketing COVID cases without going virtual.  We received a message from the superintendent about returning to school among COVID cases, teacher shortages, bus driver shortages, etc..... BUT they are committed to remain in person.  The school administrators have a much tougher job than normal.
  • There was a massive traffic jam on I-95 in Virginia that resulted in the highway closing with people stranded their cars for over 24 hours (we are not making this up).  One of those stuck was Virginia Senator Tim Kaine who was trying to get to DC.  Even he could not get out.  The combination of unexpected snow, jack-knife semis blocking the road and preventing plows from getting through, subzero weather that resulted in snow freezing on the roads and power outages that left all the traffic cameras out.... it really was a perfect storm.  You can check out news coverage HERE
  • Anna disappeared with friends and Joe was under the weather, leaving Theresa to use snow removal as her morning work-out.
  • Storm, as always, was the most excited and enjoyed frolicking in the snow - especially sticking his nose in the piles.
  • The sidewalks were treacherous with lots of ice.  Unfortunately, one of our neighbors took a spill that resulted in a broken leg that required surgery.

Fortunately, the snow is melting (some), and Anna is slated to return to school tomorrow after 3 weeks off.  She will return to class newly boosted thanks to the FDA lowering the COVID booster shot age earlier in the week.  She was able to snag an early appointment on Friday morning.  

The other event of the week was the one-year anniversary of the insurrection at the Capitol.  This was a significant event nationally, but even more so locally.  Sadly, one of our neighbors lost her brother, who was a Capitol police officer, as a result of the riot.  Many of the neighbors tied blue ribbons on their mailbox this weekend in remembrance of him.

Back to school and work this week.  Hopefully the snowbound time slowed the spread of COVID.




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