How about this weather?

Ice from Sunday’s storm is hanging around like an unpaid bill, hindering progress and representing a constant threat. The sun shines bright on it, but instead of melting it just glistens and taunts anyone daring to walk or drive. Some of us learn the hard way. I took a tumble on Monday on my way to the garbage can, and ended up staring up at the sky, flat on my back. Fortunately, it was a slow fall — a business decision, realizing it’s easier to go down with a degree of dignity rather than to keep flailing in place. I’m ok, or at least back to normal after a couple of aspirin. 

The winter storm known as “Fern” wasn’t the snowpocalypse reported by local TV stations and meteorologists, but it’s been more than a minor inconvenience. Their predictions had us searching for D batteries, generators and food staples such as bread and milk. One local weatherman was apologetic in a social media post after the storm, explaining to his viewers that weather models showed the worst forecast he’d ever seen for the area, and he wanted them to be prepared. I’m sure that wasn’t enough for some people, who failed to appreciate that the worst never came — but should it arrive later, they’re more prepared than they were. 

As I write this, the city is slowly thawing — I spotted a GRTC bus this afternoon, and a recycling truck tried to make its rounds this morning. It’s still treacherous out there, but it’s reassuring to see the city inching back toward normal across the frozen patches covering neighborhoods and sidewalks. 

While we might be ready for it to go, winter isn’t quite ready to pack up and walk out on us. The forecast for this weekend calls for more snow, a reminder that “Fern” might have been just the opening act. Until then, we’ll keep navigating icy sidewalks, watching city crews chip away at frozen streets and hoping that, when the next round arrives, we’re a little wiser — and a little steadier on our feet.