It’s no surprise, Texans do not bode well during winter storms. As soon as a meteorologist says there’s a possibility of a winter storm, we make a mad dash to the local supermarket to stock up on supplies. When I say “supplies”, I really mean hibernation food. Store shelves are quickly void of carbohydrates, junk food, hot chocolate, and marshmallows. We truly fear starvation during the day, or two we are “snowed in”. I am certain that people dwelling in cold climates where snow is typical get a good laugh out of watching us panic over a few icy days, but we just can’t help it. Our towns literally shut down because the DMV is ill prepared to treat roads, and it’s generally ice not snow so roads are impassable for the most part. In a typical year, we have one or two wintry storms.
The first day of snow ice we are all giddy and full of excitement. Children and their parents zestfully play in the white stuff, even if it’s ice. We make pathetic snowmen if we can, sit by the fire, watch movies, and sip hot beverages. By the second day, our excitement wanes, but we tolerate the storm. Once a third day rolls around, cabin fever sets in and we start venturing out in any way possible. We creep to our local doughnut shops, or anywhere we can travel safely. Today was day three of what our meteorologists are calling “Icemagedon” and goodness did cabin fever strike here! Unlike everyone else in the greater metro area, we did not go shopping just before the storm. Our freezer and pantry contain plenty of food (George is a closet doomsday prepper) , but there are few desirable options and no “hibernation food”. That meant we had to trek to our local supermarket to find out what remained for us. We had no plans of taking the quads out in our van, but our Runabout proved handy for off-roading on ice. We bundled the quads in their “Texas snow suits” with extra fleece blankies and George wore cleats to push it up hill. We managed to get to the store within about 15 minutes so no one froze. Apparently our neighbors had the same idea because it was packed! The parking lot was full.
Before entering the store, George and I planned to pick up a few Redbox movies, and we even reserved our choices. Just after we pushed the Runabout under the awning covering the kiosk, we heard a loud rumble. Apparently the ice began to melt, creating an avalanche. It was a close call, people! Needless to say, we abandoned our movie plans in order to get to safety.
Rylin began her afternoon nap a little prematurely. Cabin fever is exhausting!
Our list wasn’t terribly long, and we scored everything on it except bread. There was not a single loaf of bread, bananas, or berries. Apparently those delivery trucks didn’t make it in the storm. Otherwise, we managed to collect our needed items to make chili, rice crispy treats, fried apples, and hashbrown casserole. The quads garnered more attention than usual in their attire, and because everyone was nursing a case of cabin fever. It was as if all of the shoppers had not seen another human being in years. Our trip home went smoothly, and the quads are currently giving us a wonderful early Christmas gift- a good, long nap from ALL four.
What is your favorite way to treat cabin fever?
hugs,
Amber
Four to Adore 
I love that sleepy little snowman in the first seat! 🙂 No bread at the grocery here either. My husband is a Michigander & has been out EVERY SINGLE DAY. Our son is a police officer on 12-hour night shifts & the roads have NOT been enjoyable for him…nor all the accidents that have occurred on the roadways. The quints are holding up. I’m sooooooo thankful you were safely inside the store before the snow & ice slid down off the roof!!! And esp. that you got back home safely. May the naps all be long today!
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That proves that even seasoned northerners don’t appreciate this ice mess! So happy the quints are holding up, and you are too!
It’s so funny how there is NO bread in all of DFW. Our store was out of all bread items from hot dog buns to bagels.
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Oh this is funny. In South Carolina, it snowed 2 inches one time and the store was completely picked clean of bread and milk. I thought that was so odd. I mean it melted in two days and what if the power went out? Forget about the milk! I also got a day and a half off from work. I was from KS so I thought they were all crazy getting excited about a “dusting”.
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I don’t know what it is about being “snowed” in that makes southerners really think they are going to starve. Everyone goes hysterical. Hehe.
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You get used to being warm, ha! After a few years away from Kansas, my tolerance level was gone!
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hehe, stay warm up there! We’re starting to thaw already =)
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YOu guys got hit there – good luck dealing with Icemagedon. It’s always fun at first. Then, comes the clean up and dealing with the remains – which is not nearly as fun. Enjoy the cabin
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That’s exactly right! The first day is fun and games, then it gets old and just messy. The roads will be sludgy and gross for a while.
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Exactly. Be safe. By the way, I wrote a post that made a passing note about the weather. Your note about icemageddon made an appearance there. Check it out: http://larrydbernstein.com/all-dressed-up-and-nowhere-to-go-the-party-that-never-was/
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I agree! This city needs to get its act together! Get a few plows just for these random events. I ventured out too. Crazy long lines! I got stuff for RC treats and chili too. Except I need a recipe. Kansas people think were crazy during these storms, but since ive been there done that, I think they are crazy for living there! lol
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LOL- Good point about people from up north saying we’re crazy. It’s crazy to live in places where it’s cold and messy a lot of the time! We only deal with it a handful of days each year.
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I think I’m crazy too! I once said I’d never move back to KS after Florida and S.C. but then I fell in love, dang it! People do crazy things for love.
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So true! I’ve never lived in a cold climate, but I’m sure you acclimate. We get used to scorching heat down here =)
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Kudos to y’all for pushing that quad stroller all the way to the store!!
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Why thanks! I was strongly against the trip, but George insisted and turns out it wasn’t so bad, and ended up being fun.
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Why thanks! I was strongly against the trip, but George insisted and turns out it wasn’t so bad, and ended up being fun.
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I love that you took the kids out in Icemaggeddon! I actually have really fond memories of going on crazy walks with my mom to get “supplies” after a huge snowstorm. Marshmallows are necessary!
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Hehe! They won’t remember the experience this year, but I think they’ll enjoy the pictures for years to come. :). And it’ll probably be a family tradition.
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Hey Amber, the ice didn’t make it to our part of East Texas, close to Longview, but it has been plenty cold! Glad to hear you’ll are all doing good and staying busy, the babies are just adorable and you just amaze me with with your creativity and organization. Thank you for sharing, look forward to more! A friend in East Texas, Pam
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I’m glad you don’t have the mess out in east Texas! It’s pretty yucky, but we are certainly making the most of it. 🙂
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I live in Nova Scotia where there’s a storm almost every week in Jan/Feb and people still rush out to the stores the day before! Ice is no fun at all. You are doing a wonderful job of improvising the snowsuits! It seems ironic that I am enjoying much better weather than you are.
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Haha! That’s good to know :). I thought Texans were the only ones dashing to the store, but we are in good company. Stay warm!
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I love Masons look with his hand in the air at the store. . It’s like ” What do mean there are no bananas.” Grandpa.
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He probably was puzzled!
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I think they wiped out every store within a 50 mile radius of us here in The Woodlands…. lol I guess Houston forgot what cold felt like! 😉 Although, we didn’t get the snow & ice y’all got, we sure got cold rain & wind!! Growing up & having worked all over the world, I’ve seen some snow….. If only it’d come here….. 😉 Hope you stayed warm at least!!
Bree
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Texans really don’t like being cold, we panic ;). Our faux snow suits worked pretty well. Hopefully you’ll get pretty white flurries for Christmas, and no ice.
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Hmmm….LOL! We’re south of you, so I doubt it…. 😦 Would be nice though…Houstonians are just as bad! Happy Holidays!
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Haha, I know! But it’s wishful thinking, right?
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[…] winter we experienced what local meteorologists dubbed “Icemagedon”. While it was an inconvenience for everyone, the quads had fun experiencing snowish stuff and […]
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