Yogi Berra gets credit for that expression . . . along with some other colorful manglings of English syntax. Think he even wrote a book with a title something like, Things I Didn't Say. Whoever originated it, the phrase seems to fit our outside world today. Two weeks ago, I wrote Snowbound. Well, that experience was but a 'warmup' for what occurred yesterday and is expected to resume for a while today. Let's make the obligatory tip of the hat to other parts of the country where our weather circumstance would be a minor irritant. 'But that ain't here!' and 'it's a mess'.
In central North Carolina, a 6-10 inch snowfall is a big deal; throw in sleet and freezing rain, and hunkering down is wisdom.
How bad was (is) it? Last night's basketball game between HUGE rivals Duke and UNC was cancelled and rescheduled. Now, only a dozen or so miles separate the two campuses and a major four-lane highway connects the towns . . . but travel was more than 'high risk'. So what makes postponing a collegiate basketball game so 'significant'? Even to ask the question can be taken by many 'fans' (short for 'fanatic') as prima facia proof that "You ain't from around here, are you?" Some folks take their ACC basketball more seriously than most anything else. (I must acknowledge that I am no longer a 'fan'.)
Back to Deja vu . . . as a salute to Doug, yesterday I had a bowl of snow cream. Three drivers were unable to navigate our street's hill and had to be towed up by a neighbor with a truck and sturdy chain. I live 60+ miles from my therapy practice. For safety considerations (mine and my clients'), I cancelled yesterday's appointments and came home Tuesday night. The hospital where I work has cancelled all outpatient/ambulatory clinics today except for two Urgent Care Centers which will be closing at 4 pm. Just now, my wife called from upstairs, 'Have you looked outside?' It's snowing again, after last night's sleet. The Governor was just on television, indicating that the storm continues and urging prudence. Apparently, the capitol city, Raleigh, yesterday had a mini-version of what Atlanta and Birmingham experienced a couple of weeks ago. . . gridlocked traffic and abandoned automobiles.
For someone with more than a dash of introversion, I am grateful and happy for the warmth of presence of my wife and dog, good books, delicious coffee, gas logs in the fireplace, occasional naps, good music, watching the birds swarm around the feeder, scenic vistas and the luxury of being indoors. Still, part of the music that drifts through my mind is "In the Good Ole Summertime".
Hope you can stay warm, dry and safe.
Many cannot.
Satchel
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