Ice Skating

Driving to work today, I hear the winter weather warning on the radio, set to go into effect at 0700. As usual, the weather keepers were wrong. At 0657, it starts to rain. I turn on the wipers and guess what? None of the splattered raindrops on the windshield move, they have frozen solid to the windshield. Fortunately, there is almost nobody out on the roads.

I stop twice to pound the ice off the wipers and windshield.

When I get to work, I slide my feet across the parking lot, afraid to remove one feeble point of contact to the glare and go donw on my ass.

as I come back from lunch. The main walkway is lightly salted, and I can now step carefully as opposed to doing the less than attractive slide step. I pass the guys going to chow, also stepping carefully. I pass one of the housing units where a 150 foot cement walkway connects to the main path. It has a mild, but distinct slope. The guys are starting at the top, and sliding/skating down the incline to chow in their little orange watch caps, orange coats and dark pants. They start at the top, give themselves a little push, and slide on their feet down the incline, arms outstretched and most with small amused looks on their faces. The go one at a time in case somebody crashes.

I stand and watch for a bit and cheered them on. It would have been absofuckinglutely hilarious on Youtube, but no recording devices in the facility, you know….