by Leah Christensen
Member since:
May 30, 2006

DAMN! Is That snow?

October 12, 2006 04:16 PM EDT
views: 111 | comments: 72

RING!

I'm busy, I'm going to ignore it.

Revellie!

Oh crud! OK, so Mom tried to call, and she won't give up either. Now she's trying my cellphone. Guess I'd better answer it.

Hello?

Leah! I'll be in town in a bit. Don't have much time, but I thought I'd drop by. You want a coffee?

Well I guess it's not as bad as I thought....or maybe she's trying to set a trap. Who the hell knows aymore? What the hell. I'm kinda bored today, anyway. She did ask me if I wanted a coffee. Maybe she'll pay for it.

Coffee? OK/

I don't have time to go up to The Second Cup or anything, how bout Harveys, next door?

Coffee at a fast food restaurant?

Good point. How bout Tim Horton's just up the street.

Yah sure, I can deal with that.

OK. Be there in an hour or so.

1 Hour Later

Fur Elise!

She's calling on her cellphone.

Leah, I'm just passing the police station. Be there in 2 minutes.

I grabbed my purse and my hat and headed upstairs.

It was windy as hell when I got out there, and my summer hat nearly blew away. Lots of white stuff in the air. At first I thought it was small leaves or petals blowing around.

"It's SNOWING!" Mom groaned.

"What, SNOW?"

"Yah, it just started. "

I feel kinda stupid in a straw hat...oh what the hell, who cares.

"I guess it's time to start wearing my ushanka again."

"Oh no, not that thing....and that damn red star on the front...why???"

"Why? Because it really annoys anyone who voted for Stephen Harper. I get a lot of compliments for those who didn't vote for him. It's warm, it's comfy, it's very unique, and I like it!"

Mom groaned.

"Spoken like a true conservativ," I laughed.

Mom groaned again.

What I didn't tell her was that my ushanka was a cherished gift from my Sweetheart. Let her figure that out herself, one day.

Just then our local radio station played Let It Snow and Mom started banging her head on the steering wheel.
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Comments: 72

Nancy S. Oct 12, 2006, 4:24pm EDT
Cute story, Leah. The conversation got a little confusing at one point (who says what, what's in your thoughts), but I enjoyed it anyway.
Leah Christensen Oct 12, 2006, 4:28pm EDT
Thanks Nancy. I tried to keep the phone conversation with me in bold, and my thoughts in italic. Guess I have to BOLD the few words I spoke in the car.

I thought it just seemed more natural without "Mom said, I said" after every sentence. Thanks for the feedback.
Leah Christensen Oct 12, 2006, 4:29pm EDT
Juniper. Yah Tim Horton's is pretty damn good. I like the Second Cup better, but for something FAST coffee shops like Tim's are always good. Much MUCH better than coffee at a place that specializes in burgers. LOL
Robin K. Oct 12, 2006, 4:31pm EDT
I know! I'm so bummed! It's like a blizzard here :((

I wish someone would offer me coffee, lol.
Leah Christensen Oct 12, 2006, 4:34pm EDT
Come to Guelph Robin, and I'll buy you a coffee.

It was snowing here like crazy, but the snow was not staying on the ground. It was blowing into the car, when my mother insisted on cracking a window for some fresh air.
Marsha B. Oct 12, 2006, 4:37pm EDT
LOL It's snowing here in Michigan as well - off and on. This state is really schizophrenic. We get snow then it stops and we get sunshine, then snow, then sunshine, then snow....
Leah Christensen Oct 12, 2006, 4:40pm EDT
LOL Marsha. That's pretty much how it is up here.
Leah Christensen Oct 12, 2006, 4:53pm EDT
Thanks Jan.
Walker Bennett, SF Author Oct 12, 2006, 4:54pm EDT
I got an email from a friend in Arkhangelsk today. It's -2C and they received 12" of snow.
Cassandra M. Oct 12, 2006, 4:55pm EDT
Really cute story! I love snow myself. :)
Leah Christensen Oct 12, 2006, 4:57pm EDT
Walker! If I got 12" you know I'd have an excuse to wear my ushanka more often. ;-)
Sandy (back in Ohio...blah!) Oct 12, 2006, 5:02pm EDT
Very nice
Leah Christensen Oct 12, 2006, 5:03pm EDT
Wow Paul! Seems that today is the day for "almost snow" to fall in North America.
Leah Christensen Oct 12, 2006, 5:05pm EDT
Thanks Cassandra. I'm sure before too long it'll get so cold, and Mom will start to WANT my ushanka. haha
Leah Christensen Oct 12, 2006, 5:13pm EDT
Thank you Sandy S.
Felix R. Oct 12, 2006, 5:35pm EDT
Leah, this Columbus Day I was at Condado Beach...in San Juan...I think the last time it snowed here was probably during the Ice Age. I like snow...especially freshly fallen snow...it gets messy once the crowds get out. Hopefully I'll get to see some once I get back to Brooklyn. Every year it seems to come down later and later in the year...sometimes not until January. I really like snow and rain...thunder and lightning...it's beautiful sunny days that bring me down. As usual, Leah, good story...you always keep it real.
Leah Christensen Oct 12, 2006, 5:40pm EDT
Have fun in the sun, Mary.
Ladybounty ~. Oct 12, 2006, 5:50pm EDT
I love this Leah...it's funny and you put us right there in the car with you and your Mom. We're expecting snow any day here now......sigh.....
Mugg Muggles, "The Man With the Jive" Oct 12, 2006, 5:52pm EDT
So, was there snow on Mt. Lemon?
Olga M. Oct 12, 2006, 6:05pm EDT
I wish it would snow here.
Rebecca B Oct 12, 2006, 6:09pm EDT
hehe the last part is Soo Funny!!! =P Poor mom..
Leah Christensen Oct 12, 2006, 6:38pm EDT
Thank you Felix. I appreciate all of your comments. Tell me if you still like snow when you're literally up to your ass in it. LOL LOL
Miz Lynn aka/BooBoo Oct 12, 2006, 6:40pm EDT
Hee, hee, hee...time for the parkas and snow shoes. Snowing in MN also!! 2-3" This morning....ughhhhhhh.
Leah Christensen Oct 12, 2006, 7:38pm EDT
I'd be happy to send you some snow, Adele.
Leah Christensen Oct 12, 2006, 7:41pm EDT
Thank you Lori. I think dialogue is a great way to be "right there." I'm glad you enjoyed my article.
Cindy Kelly Oct 12, 2006, 7:48pm EDT
It's supposed to snow here tonight, too. But we don't generally need snowshoes. :P
Leah Christensen Oct 12, 2006, 7:56pm EDT
Mugg, I think you lost me.
Leah Christensen Oct 12, 2006, 8:04pm EDT
LOL Olga. I'd be happy to send you some of the snow we get up here.
Felix R. Oct 12, 2006, 8:09pm EDT
Leah, we actually don't get that many inches of snow in the city and the Sanitation Department is very quick and efficient at clearing it out.
Connie C. Oct 12, 2006, 8:11pm EDT
LOL I loved it. It is so cold here today. Currently it is 36 outside and the wind is terrible. I HATE WINTER...MAKE IT GO AWAY!!!!!!!!
Mugg Muggles, "The Man With the Jive" Oct 12, 2006, 8:17pm EDT
Oops, I thought there was a big hill called Mt. Lemon in your vicinity. Maybe it's nearer to Tucson?
Angela D. Oct 12, 2006, 8:38pm EDT
Here Harvey's is a supermarket chain
MrElf 1961 Oct 12, 2006, 8:39pm EDT
Conservative Cannucks. Who'd have ever thought?
Beany F. Oct 12, 2006, 8:50pm EDT
Seeing that Leah is sending free snow pass me some, it hardly ever snows here.:(
Great story was a bit touchy at times, but still was quite warming to read. burrrrrrrrrrrrr
Visionaerie B. Oct 12, 2006, 9:19pm EDT
Yes, this morning we had a nice snowy coat on the plants outside, perched on the dog house where Elke used to live. But by the time I got around to "thawing out" my digital camera, the snow had disappeared. Years ago I had a number of Russian pen pals, and used to get those little Russian merchandise catalogs. I amassed a little collection of pins and medals, but always wanted to get one of those ushankas. Especially since I lost my beloved convertible radar / stocking cap, last year. Ah yes, the winds of fortune may blow you around, but your ushanka will always keep you warm!
Sandra L. Oct 12, 2006, 9:23pm EDT
It's way too early for snow, but I'd love to go have a coffee with you. Can I order tea?
Dawne Joy Oct 12, 2006, 9:23pm EDT
Great story. I have to say I love snow though. We take the kids sled riding and snowball fighting.

I don't think I'd like it if I was stuck with my mom though.

(ps - mom if you're reading this, I didn't say it, Steve did!)
William M. Oct 12, 2006, 9:42pm EDT
Great story.
Leah Christensen Oct 13, 2006, 1:28am EDT
LOL Rebecca. It was funny to watch too. LOL Nothing funnier than watching one's mother bang her head on the steering wheel and honk the horn with her nose. haha
Leah Christensen Oct 13, 2006, 1:31am EDT
Yes Lynn. One day it was 30 degrees, next day it snowed. OK well not quite that quickly, but the way my days have been flying, that's how it seemed.
Leah Christensen Oct 13, 2006, 1:33am EDT
LOL Cindy. We're not in need of snow shoes YET, but the winter season of 06 is still young.
Leah Christensen Oct 13, 2006, 1:35am EDT
Felix. I wish they were that quick to remove the snow in my part of the world. Here it just piles up and up and up and up until I need a ladder to climb over the drifts and get out of the front yard.
Leah Christensen Oct 13, 2006, 1:39am EDT
Connie. I have to get used to farenheit. 36 in Canada is very good! When it's 36 (celcious!!!!) we're sitting on the patio in our shorts and t-shirts wondering what else we can possibly take off. LOL
Leah Christensen Oct 13, 2006, 1:42am EDT
Have no idea, Mug. Right now I'm in Guelph Ontario, but soon to be in Sedona AZ. I just have my computer set that way, because at the time I joined Gather, "province" was not an option, only STATE!
Sucheta D. Oct 13, 2006, 2:12am EDT
good story. i am pretty irregular on the net, but i ll look out for more of the same
Carol Roach Oct 13, 2006, 4:28am EDT
we don't have the snow yet, thank god
Carolyn Madden Oct 13, 2006, 6:21am EDT
"It doesn't show signs of stopping
And I've bought some corn for popping
The lights are turned way down low
Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! "

lol i lurv that song Leah. having never seen snow it sounds so very romantic and wonderful. I really enjoyed your conversation with your ma (the silent one as well as the real one). Good post.
Edward Nudelman Oct 13, 2006, 10:46am EDT
Snow in Arizona? Eee gads! I've heard it's in Buffalo an all over NY upstate. We're on the coast near Boston. Batton down the hatches!
amanda wallin Oct 13, 2006, 2:39pm EDT
"er, it hailed here once in Hollywood. Sorry I can't contribute much more. I love your humorous voice and acerbic wit. You captured your mother with excellent dialogue.
Susan *. Oct 17, 2006, 12:58pm EDT
...cute story! I can see my mom banging HER head on the steering wheel too... you captured the personality so well!
Dawn M Oct 18, 2006, 4:46pm EDT
LOL Yup it was snow....and more snow, and more snow that day. It was a blizzard at times. Hope you were able to have a good visit and enjoy your coffee. Awe, Tim Horton's are good.
Priscilla P. Oct 18, 2006, 10:48pm EDT
How delightful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Laura G. Oct 19, 2006, 7:13am EDT
Loved this... Great article... God luck in your travels to Arizone... You had me confused there!! lol ~L
Leah Christensen Oct 25, 2006, 9:19pm EDT
Angela. in Canada Harvey's is a really GOOD Burger joint!
Leah Christensen Oct 25, 2006, 9:23pm EDT
LOL MrEL F. Most Canadians are alright, but our new Prime Minister is a real you-know-what!
Leah Christensen Oct 25, 2006, 9:25pm EDT
Thanks Beany.
Leah Christensen Oct 25, 2006, 9:27pm EDT
Right on, Visionaerie. You can easily get an ushanka through ebay. Just type in the keyword "ushanka" and you'll get one just like the one in the picture. Cool about your Russian penpal, and too bad the snow melted before you could photograph it!
Leah Christensen Oct 25, 2006, 9:29pm EDT
Sandra. Sure you can order tea. Tim Horton's has pretty good tea but the Second Cup is even better! I agree that it's way too early for snow.
Leah Christensen Oct 25, 2006, 9:31pm EDT
LOL Dawn. You cracked me up!
Leah Christensen Oct 25, 2006, 9:40pm EDT
Thank you William!
Leah Christensen Oct 25, 2006, 9:42pm EDT
Thanks Sucheta.
Leah Christensen Oct 25, 2006, 9:45pm EDT
LOL Carol. You'll get it eventually.
Leah Christensen Oct 26, 2006, 6:23pm EDT
Thanks Carolyn. You've never seen snow before? WOW!!! Believe me, when you eventually see snow, the novelty will wear off, the second time you have to shovel, or the first time your car gets stuck in a drift on the side of the road. LOL
Leah Christensen Oct 26, 2006, 6:25pm EDT
LOL Edward. I think I mentioned before that I'm actually in Guelph Ontario Canada, but when I originally joined Gather, it asked me for a STATE, so I listed the state in which I'd LIKE to be. But I do have a picture from Walker Bennett, of him standing outside in the Arizona snow one winter, when it snowed down there, and snowed A LOT. They DO get lots of snow in AZ, sometimes.
Leah Christensen Oct 26, 2006, 6:39pm EDT
Thanks Amanda, for your encouraging comment! I am glad you enjoyed the dialogue. I think it's more important to tell a story as it happened, as opposed to making it into a work of fiction. Your comment was very encouraging.
Leah Christensen Oct 26, 2006, 6:46pm EDT
Thank you so much, Susan. Say hi to your mother for me. Why not share this story with her/ ;-)
Leah Christensen Oct 26, 2006, 6:49pm EDT
Thanks Dawn. Yes the snow was amazing that day. It stayed on the ground up North (though only an hour from here) where Mom lives, but melted a day later. That was really something.

Yes the coffee was wonderful.
Leah Christensen Oct 26, 2006, 6:52pm EDT
Priscilla! I suppose it would be dlightful to some. It was OK with me since it wasn't too much. You should have been here to enjoy it!
Leah Christensen Oct 26, 2006, 6:53pm EDT
Thanks Laura. I think I have a lot of people confused. If you go back in my articles, my VERY FIRST submission to Gather will explain why my profile is in Arizona, but my location is in Canada.
Leah Christensen Oct 26, 2006, 6:56pm EDT
Thank you Bongo. We're going to have a municiple election in November, when Americans are going to have their election (politics in the air?) and I will wear it that day too. Thank you!

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