Ice Redux

About 4:30 p.m. when I went out to feed, a light rain was falling. Ice already coated the deck, the bare limbs of the big maple and crepe myrtle, and the metal gate to the pasture. Horse-sicles hung from the mares' manes.

Here we go again, I thought. Another ice storm.

Now— four hours later—the temperature has officially dropped to below freezing and still the gentle rain falls. And ice forms. We still have power—and thankfully no wind.

The Virginia creeper on the deck rail is bejeweled in ice.

A few minutes ago, John heard on the scanner that there are ice-related accidents on Rt. 220. I’d planned to go to Salem tomorrow for a Pen Women’s project, but I’ve decided not to risk the hour’s drive. Heavy rains are predicted for tomorrow. I don’t like to drive 220 in bad weather.

Meanwhile, I’ve run a load of laundry, run the dishwasher, and watered the plants. This morning, we cleaned and refilled the horse tubs and dog buckets. The horses have plenty of hay. The laptop battery is fully charged. Tonight, I’ll fill a bathtub—just in case. We’re good to go.

Better safe than sorry. I’d rather prepare for the worst and have it not happen than hope for the best and be unprepared for disaster.

Maybe the ice and rain will help put out all the fires. And maybe the power won't go out.