Snow Angels

Maya loves the snow and cannot get enough of it. She wants to be in the snow from morning until night. She builds forts and makes snowballs and goes sledding and gets wet and never wants to come in. I have to play the disciplinarian and insist that she do her violin and her homework before I let her loose. She cries and tells me it is not a 'real' snow day if she has to do any work, and I pause for a moment and wonder if she is right.

I could have slept in, but I was up at the usual time to check the status of city and county schools (all closed), which made no sense to me since it had not snowed during the night and the roads were clear. Baltimoreans are squeamish about snow and fearful of driving in all sorts of conditions. It takes very little snow to paralyze the city. I guess one just has to embrace the idea that school is canceled quite regularly, and to enjoy the freedom. Many patients cancel too, so my days at the office are calmer and more relaxing. I was able to get to a pilates and a yoga class, and visit the local library to look for books for Maya (she is working on a research paper on the violin). Maya spent the afternoon with her friend Sarah. The two got into all sorts of trouble for sledding onto the road (Sarah hit her head when she smashed into a car) so Sarah is unable to see friends for the next few weeks.

Maya's ballet class downtown had been canceled earlier in the week, but was on for tonight, I wanted her in bed early since she was to have a three hour qualifying exam for a special math and science intensive program next year.

It has been three days, and I have yet to shovel the snow from my walk or my driveway. The mailman has not visited me for three days, and it is clear that I must do something about the walkway at least. There is just enough cleared space in the driveway for my car to fit and a narrow path to the back door. I am not sure I can expect the snow to melt anytime soon, so somehow I will have to find the time and energy to shovel snow. I looked for a snow shovel in the garage, but either we have none or it is hidden. There are regular shovels to use, which look functional, so shoveling is a priority this weekend.

There are snow angels on the top of the snow, and evidence of joy and happiness all over the back yard. I am almost hoping for more snow and more snow day and more snow angels andjoy.