Storm’s coming

The air smells heavy this morning. Temperatures hover around freezing, and the air is clear, but I feel moisture. Earlier this week, I could only poke my nose out the back door to sniff the air; it was too frigid to put any more of my body outside. Today the air is cold but doesn’t sting. I walked out on the dark deck in my pajamas to take a bigger breath. I wanted to smell the coming snow.

They say a big winter storm is coming. Earlier in the week the forecast called for a foot of heavy, wet snow and high winds, a great combination for downed power-lines. The pet store was hopping yesterday when I joined everyone else in town to stock up on kibble. The substitution list for my online grocery order was long this morning. They’re out of soup and pasta, among other things. Luckily hot cocoa wasn’t on the “Sorry, we’re out” list.

Now the forecast has switched to about three-quarters the amount of snow, and substitute the rest with sleet and freezing rain. It’ll start tomorrow. I brought armloads of dry firewood into the garage, and the hamper in the living room is full. I covered the outdoor stack with a tarp.

On Thursday, the kids’ school had already sent out an email to prepare families that the storm could affect school as far out as Tuesday. A friend at work asked if we don’t get snow often, and I replied that we do, but we live in the mountains where there are steep winding roads, northern-faces that don’t see sunlight in winter, lots of wind, and lots of trees. Power outages are likely, and travel will be treacherous.

I need to remind everyone in the house to charge their portable chargers. I suppose we should gather candles and flashlights. Oh, and I can’t forget to plug in my e-reader! That would be catastrophic. I’ve got it loaded with three unread books.

I’ll pick up our groceries this morning. I’ll get wine, and some Irish cream for coffee and hot chocolate. We’ve got plenty of matches, and sterno. I’ll lay a fire today.

I think I’m ready.