Seattle snow blues

Let's see...where do I start?

How about with the SNOW. Way, way too much snow for Seattle to handle. Too much, that is, if one likes to go places and see people.

It's fun to give in for a while, with the cookies and the sledding and the family time. But when your birthday getaway with your husband has to be canceled because of harsh weather, you start hating it a little.

Despite our ill-fated overnight, my 40th was special. Fruit Bat, Kitty Cat and I trudged up a 90-degree snowy hill (stopping twice to drink hot chocolate from a thermos) and spent the day with our friends who live in high country (where they actually get TV and radio reception!). Later, J. and the kids made me the most earnest, yummy chocolate cake:

and I felt lucky, indeed.

There was a small window on Saturday when two of my favorite women (Tricia and Stacy) and I were able to trek downtown to get facials, do a little shopping, share a lovely meal.

Here's where we ate:

I highly recommend it if you're in the Seattle area.

And then there was a complicated odyssey of trying to get Stacy (on the left) back home to Portland.

Still, it was all terribly wonderful. The only thing missing was alone time. Creative time. Which is my air.

So today I've gotten my imagination on for a few hours. Here's Installment #2 of Greener Grass. It's a short one. I was stealing time. You can find the first part here.

*****

Craig stood and gave the kids their Pop Tarts. "Okay now, shoo!" he said, waving them away. Then he turned to Tamara, "For God's sake, what? Your lawn's not that bad, okay? Just a little thatchy. I can give you some of my fertilizer."

She shook her head and braced herself on the edge of the counter. "I don't give a crap about my lawn," she said. "That's Dave's thing."

She took a breath wiped tears from her cheeks. "It's the laundry. And the kids. The kids! And everything. It's such a fucking turnstile of drudgery."

"Tell me about it," Craig said, folding his arms and leaning against the counter next to her.

"No, it's different for you. You're a man. And you get paid. You have meetings. It's completely different."

Warm, morning air wafted through an open window.

One of the kids, Eli, she thought, called her. "Mommy! Mommy!"

She ignored him.

"Get a job then," Craig said.

"I can't get a job. Who would get the spots out of the dresses? The mildew out of the grout? The money out of the insurance companies!"

He said, "You'd hire someone. Or do it on weekends. You know, your lunch break. There are plenty of families with two working parents."

"I can't get a job!" she yelled and left the kitchen. She walked out the front door and into the yard. She sat on the ground, running her hands over the spiky, browning blades of grass. She thought she might curl up and sleep there. Lay through several nights and days. Swallow dew when she was thirsty, eat ladybugs if she got hungry.

Comments

[Michele]

We've been hearing about all your snow. My parents left Auburn, WA on Friday to come down. Best timing ever. Sorry you didn't get to get away but glad you had a nice Bday anyway.

[vodkamom]

Happy, happy birthday!!

Loved the "chapter". Very well written......

[kcinnova]

I've been getting snow updates from my mother in Bellevue. A friend in Lacey (where we last lived) tells me they have a foot of snow on the ground. But for you, I will stop with the foot-stamping and the "it's not fair!!" and the whining about how we don't have any snow here. At least for a few minutes. Because I *am* sorry about your birthday plans not coming to fruition, and I know Seattle in the snow is a b!tch.
Your story has me hooked. MORE PLEASE! (and Merry Christmas!!)

[kcinnova]

I've been getting snow updates from my mother in Bellevue. A friend in Lacey (where we last lived) tells me they have a foot of snow on the ground. But for you, I will stop with the foot-stamping and the "it's not fair!!" and the whining about how we don't have any snow here. At least for a few minutes. Because I *am* sorry about your birthday plans not coming to fruition, and I know Seattle in the snow is a b!tch.
Your story has me hooked. MORE PLEASE! (and Merry Christmas!!)

[Rachel]

I'm hating the snow here in the midwest, too, and it didn't even ruin my birthday plans. Glad you had some fun and good cake, anyway, and also some time to write! Can't wait for more...

[Laura in LA]

I live in the south where snow is something we hear about but rarely witness, so I can't even imagine. I'm loving the story....more please!

[kd@abitsquirrelly]

I just wish that the snow wouldn't fall on the streets. Everywhere else is fine. You hear that Mother Nature? All done with the snow....Yes I am crabby. Sorry.

[Bossy]

Bossy wishes she had been there to "celebrate" your 40th, where CELEBRATE equals, "Hooray! We're not 50!"

Happy merry, sister.