My First Ice Storm

The kids were all much happier with the Kansas school, and they each found friends in our neighborhood. I didn't have to worry, back then, (or in our tiny community) about abductions or the like—so the kids were free to visit, or bring friends home (with permission) and the stability of our home environment began to show in their behavior.  The two who were 8 weeks apart, were in different grades. The older (Curtis) was born in early Sept., and René was born in late Oct. so wasn't old enough to get into the same class. That was really fortunate, and helped with their rivalry. But the battles for the security of attention continued, as did the drinking problem.

The temperature started dropping early that year, and we all needed more than CA clothing. So it was off to Sears! We needed sweaters, jackets, coats, scarves, gloves, hats, blankets—the works. 

I went to work part time at the Hilton, too, (waitress) and got the lesson of a lifetime one day, while we were so new to conditions in Kansas. The temperature dropped suddenly while we were at work, and an ice storm moved through, leaving the roads covered with about ½ inch of black ice. We (Mel & I) had 7 miles of this to drive home on! It took over an hour. I was astonished at the ice rink the city had become! I never knew such things occurred! I absorbed how Mel maneuvered—it was so impressive! I've never seen conditions quite so terrible since, and I hope I never do, but I'll always be grateful that I had such a skilled teacher. The yo-yo bad drivers provided as good a lesson—I learned a lot of what not to do! The ditches were lined with vehicles, I witnessed cars stopped with the rear wheels continuing to rotate, people zipping through a 4 way stop, etc etc.  I learned about ice scrapers, and having doors frozen closed. 

The picture above shows Curtis at the frozen cow pasture pond. I've always loved the picture—one of a thousand words! More soon! Hugs!