Winter Weather in the South (part Three)...an article I wrote in 2010

http://voices.yahoo.com/winter-weather-south-part-three-5374761.html?cat=5



Winter Weather in the South (part Three)
Time for Chores and Games




So the weather man has predicted snow, again. And wonder of wonder you have found yourself snowed in. This is a wonder because you just happen to be living in the south. Having moved far away from the snow and ice of the north, at least that was the plan. But sometimes our plans go astray and things get in our way. Things like snow and ice.



Well because you thought ahead and chose to prepare for adverse weather you have everything you need to be comfortable. So what are you to do as you wait on the roads to clear, and the power to come back on?



Well if you have other family members or friends there with you it will be a lot easier. Because you can play board games or charades, board games are more fun when played with a partner than alone. Also charades is a little pointless unless you have an audience.



A good stock pile of board games is a great idea. Games like monopoly, chess, checkers, dominoes, cards, etc.



Also art supplies for younger children who may not need to go out in the cold and wet weather.
Items like crayons, color pencils, coloring books, construction paper etc. Even older children may like these things.



Depending on your skills, this may also be a great time to teach your child to crochet or knit or do beadwork, granted this will be a day time activity. But it is a good way to pass the time. It is also a good time to get caught up on small handcrafts you may have been putting off.



If you don't have power you will want to first make sure that your home is as neat and clean as possible before dark. All pathways cleared, and if you will be using kerosene lamps these need to be filled and the wicks trimmed before dark. The wicks need time to soak. If you will be using candle's you need to make sure you have a place set up for them while it is still daylight. You also will want to have matches or a lighter where you can find it easily. *If you have children it is a good idea to not leave the matches beside the candle or kerosene lamps. Because some children will experiment, then you will have a big problem.



If you have a kerosene heater you will also want to fill this up outside while it is still daylight. It is usually colder at night time. So if you can stay warm just by wearing extra clothing. That may be a good idea so you can save the kerosene until later on in the evening. Try to only use your kerosene heater when you absolutely must so you can save fuel in case you are not able to get out and replace the kerosene you've used very soon. It is better to be a little colder than you like than it is to freeze.



Burning kerosene can cause breathing problems for some people, so caution is needed. Also it is wise to vent the room that you are using the kerosene heater in. Just open a window just a little bit should be enough. This will be helpful to avoid carbon dioxide poisoning.



When you are trapped at home due to bad weather, you can make this a positive experience by using your time wisely. First take care of the things that you must take care of. Even making up sandwiches or crackers for later on when it gets darker.



If you have power it may also be a good idea to go ahead and cook any meats you have in the refrigerator early. Making dinner extra early, may help you to have a more balanced meal later on in the day, if you end up losing power later on.



Also wash up any dirty laundry and get it dried and put away. Dirty laundry is aggravating any time, but when you also have no power it is just a lot worse. Trust me on that.



Finally make sure you have some board games for later on in the evening, this is especially important if your family is used to being entertained.



Maintaining a clean, neat and orderly home, is very helpful when severe weather strikes. A well-stocked pantry will insure that you don't worry about what you are going to eat. You may not have exactly what you want to eat, but you can be prepared enough so you have something.



A supply of games, crafts, and books, will help to keep boredom away.



But remember if all else fails, severe weather may give you the opportunity to catch up on a few inside chores. If the power is off it may just be chores that don't require electricity. But at least you'll have time to get a few things done.



Moving around will also help to keep you warmer. Doing chores that need to be done will give you something to focus on, and give you a sense of accomplishment when done. Completing unfinished projects will also do the same thing. This will give you a greater sense of security and peace than if you just sit in the house focused on everything that is wrong, or on how you can't get out and go some place.



When you live in the south and find yourself stuck at home, due to weather or road conditions, try to stay positive, and be thankful that you do not live in northern climates where severe weather lasts for many days or weeks, even months. At least in the south we know the sun will be out soon melting the snow and ice, and the roads will soon be clear.