sunday morning

As a teacher, winter always holds a touch of excitement.  When just the right combination of temperature and precipitation join together a magical thing happens: snow flurries-every southern child's dream!  The threat of a "wintery mix" is all that is needed for the powers-that-be to cancel school.  Children of all ages can be seen high-fiving and 'chest bumping' as they watch their school system's name scroll across the closings banner at the bottom of their television.

This winter we had received more than our usual 'allotment' of snow-twice in one season, and a white Christmas to top it off!  Over time, I have learned to appreciate Georgia's short, cold winters, but after two snow sightings, I was ready for spring to be just around the corner.

That's when it happened.

Snowmageddon 2011.

The news had reported that we should expect and prepare for some 'extreme winter weather.'
 **sidenote: In GA that translates to 'rush to the nearest grocery store and buy all of the milk, bread, and bottled water you can find in the event that you are trapped in your home for 24 hours.'**
 So, like the level headed, responsible adults we are (who may at times march to the beat of a different, more awkward,  drummer), we stocked up in the essentials [read: lucky charms and grape juice that may or may not have been aged in an oak barrel].

And then the snow fell...and fell...and fell.  And it piled higher...and higher...and higher.  When it finally stopped, there were no roads, no yards, no side walks.  Just snow; six inches deep.  School was canceled Monday.  We did our best to enjoy it by lounging around in our pajamas, watching the last college football game of the season, and enjoying our 'essentials.'  But the 'fun' didn't end there.  School was canceled again on Tuesday, and Wednesday, and Thursday, and Friday.  Unbelievable!  Everyday we woke up and it felt like Sunday again-like we should be going to work the following day.  But 'Monday' never came.  At this point I know what you're thinking.  You're thinking "Wow, how wonderful!  A whole week off of work-like a vacation!"  NO.  NOT like a vacation.  The snow was holding us captive.  Around hour 60 of being confined to the same 2400 sq. ft., the cabin fever really began to set in.

I thought that I would combat the fever by trying a new recipe.  I found a recipe for cinnamon roll cake and, with much enthusiasm from T, decided it would be a wonderful 'snowed-in-day-4 breakfast.'  Now, before you start with the judgment...adults eat cake for breakfast all the time.  For example:  coffee cake, tea cakes, pancakes, etc. etc.  Besides, we get to make the rules at our house and rule number one is 'let them eat cake!'  The combination of simple ingredients, simple instructions, and plenty of butter made this recipe a winner in my book.  The cake is lighter than a typical cinnamon roll and tastes best fresh from the oven.  (I omitted the pecans only because I didn't have any on hand, and wanted to avoid the skating rink formerly known as my driveway.)

Our friends who lived in the area had also caught 'the fever,' and by Thursday night, the roads had cleared up just enough for them to make the treacherous journey to our house. (I think they may have also caught wind that there might be some cinnamon roll cake left over, but that is purely speculation)

I'm not a fan of cold weather, and I hate snow; but that night, as I sat in at a table surrounded by wonderful people, I was grateful.  I was grateful for six inches of snow and ice, and being captive in my own home, and cabin fever.  But, most of all I was grateful that I have friends that make my stomach hurt with laughter, make my eyes tear with joy, and fill my life with moments unforgettable.  I'm lucky.  But, every now and then, I just need a little 'inclement weather' in my life to remind me.