Life never runs out of firsts

 I was reminded, yesterday, in a very concrete way, that life never runs out of firsts.  When you least expect it, life tosses you a curve and you bend, duck, dodge - whatever - and then in most cases, you go on.  Yesterday morning was one of those bend, duck, and dodge events.

It's been snowing here a lot this week.  In fact, it is lightly snowing now but unlike yesterday, there is no wind so drifting might not be so much of an issue.  However, at this rate, we may not be able to get out for Ash Wednesday Mass this evening.  But, I digress.  About those firsts . . .

Yesterday I knew that if I didn't get into work I might not get the church bulletin out for this weekend.  Since it was a clear day, I decided to hazard a try at driving the four blocks to work.  My first, first, was to drive out of the garage and onto a snow-covered driveway.  Driving into four inches of snow is like driving into a wall with a little "give" to it.  Driving through four inches of fresh snow is like driving on a sponge.  But, mission accomplished, I arrived at the end of the driveway and attentively turn left onto the cleared road.  Gingerly I navigated a right at the first corner and then actually came to a full stop at the upcoming 4-way stop.  No traffic!  So I cruised right through.  One more left and I was almost at my destination.  

The work driveway was visible and in I went, congratulating myself on my accomplishment.  Once over the sidewalk, I came to a complete and unintentional stop.  After a bit of unsuccessful reversing, going back forward, tire turning, and rocking, I finally accepted that I was well and truly stuck.  

One of the things I've learned since moving to Caruthersville, after a lifetime in no snow California, is that the concept of "it takes a village" has real meaning here. So, I sat back and considered the possibilities.  Being a one-car family, calling the Pirate was not an option so my first stop was calling the Fire Chief, Charlie Jones.  Friend Charlie could surely radio a couple of volunteers with trucks to come to my rescue.  No answer.

My next stop was to call the Mayor of C'ville.  Yeah, nothing like going straight to the top but in reality, she's a friend and I knew she could mobilize a city worker to help me out.  No answer.

Then I remembered I had the Police Chief's cell number.  That went directly to voice mail.  And, there was no answer at the main desk either.  Staff were not in.  In C'ville, the action yesterday was all police units, not desk jockeys.  By this time, I was thinking the PD's office staff was much smarter than me by a longshot.

Then I got a brilliant idea.  Who was the ONE person I knew who also knew everyone else and had her fingers in the pot for just about everything.  Jana!  I called her and fervently prayed she would answer her phone and she did.  Two texts later from her, one to the police chief and one to the mayor, I eventually had both Paul from the city and police office Corey arriving at the same time.  Then the code enforcement officer, Barry, showed up with Mayor Sue in his truck - smartly staying warm - and overseeing the whole adventure  from the warm interior of the truck.  And then all this was followed in good time by one of the plow men who cleared the way to my office's front door and provided clear parking for at least three other cars that showed up over the next 2 hours.

Several lessons were learned today.  I was instilled with a a renewed respect for snow.  Four wheel drive and/or chains was a necessity.  Calm is the way to solution and having friends helps. A lot.  Oh, and one more thing.  Barry noticed the state of my feet and, never being one to soften his tone, asked my why in the heck I wasn't wearing socks.  I sheepishly answer, "Well . . . California.  Never got in the habit".  He then very succinctly informed me of the dangers of cold on feet.  Of course, I've heard that before from several people but Barry's gravelly voice has some power so . . . I'm going shopping for boots as soon as it's safe to go out in the snow