Fresh Fall of Snow

People here just don't know what to do with this much snow. At least, they think they know how to react when there's a big fall of snow. They either err on the side of caution and don't even bother trying to go anywhere or do anything, OR they foolishly try to carry on as normal, with no precautions.With our Canadian experience, Jamie and I fall somewhere between the two. We'll try to drive, but make sure the boot of the car has all the necessities we'd need if we got stuck, including a snow shovel, a sleeping bag and blankets, candles, matches, snack bars, water and cat litter. In case you think I'm totally bonkers, I'll explain that the last is for pouring under the wheels if they are spinning and we can't get out of a spot.

But when I ventured out one day last week to get supplies, the roads had not been gritted, even the main roads, so I was facing such a hazardous ice/snow/slush combo that I turned back after 5 minutes' driving. No one else was on the road except a white van man and I saw him slide across into the opposite lane!

Luckily, I had enough food to last us another day. When I finally made it to a supermarket, it was as busy as Christmas EVE. Tempers were frayed, people were not queuing very politely, you could hardly move.

Because I'd forgotten breakfast and was taking Beechams Flu Plus remedy I started having frequent palpitations and felt nauseous and dizzy whilst in the (10 people) queue for the check-out. Later, I realised I was having a bad reaction to the phenylephrine. It took me a few days to figure out what was wrong though. It's not been a good week for me.
Our dedicated postman, whose name is not Pat, managed to get through, bless is heart!
I have to drive to Oxford today with the kids. The roads don't look too bad this morning, but who knows? There's a winter storm arriving this afternoon and another heavy snow fall due overnight. I love it. As long as I don't have to go anywhere!