First Came the “Snow Storm” then Came the “BLIZZARD” of 2010

Did I say SNOW, SNOW, and More SNOW? Well, little did I know, that was just the icing on the cake.

Must I say, this is truly a “BLIZZARD.” I have heard of, and seen pictures of a “BLIZZARD,” I have read of a “BLIZZARD,” but experiencing a real “BLIZZARD” is something you have to witness in order to truly understand the meaning of the word “BLIZZARD.” In my opinion, this is comparable to hurricane force winds filled with snow; if you can imagine a “White Hurricane,” with winds blowing at 60 miles per hour, snow swirling around covering everything in its path, light poles struggling to remain standing, while doors keep rattling with loud whistling sounds scary enough to make you shiver.

This time, looking out of my window, everything is white. There are no trees, buildings, roads, lights or the river to be seen. Everything is white; therefore, I can’t differentiate the sky from land. I am currently wearing my sun glasses, not to protect my eyes from the sunlight, but the whiteness which is extremely difficult on the eyes. I have been stock indoors for the past five days and I certainly appreciate the ability to use my computer, have access to a television, and being able to use my telephone. Fortunately, I don’t need to drive, because in the lower level of my building, I have easy access to the essential necessities, such as a supermarket, pharmacy, beauty shop, and other essential things. Although I live on the 10th floor, the wind blew so much snow on to my balcony that I could go skying, or build a snowman while throwing a few snow balls……. well, maybe not that much, but more than usual.

This “BLIZZARD” could not have occurred at a more wishful time in my life. No, not for the blizzard, but for the fact that I am stock here instead of on the beautiful island of Dominica. Oh how this makes me truly “Island Sick,” realizing that I could be enjoying the fun of carnival in warm, sunny, and festive Dominica. For the lucky ones who were fortunate enough to leave the USA before such a blizzard, have a safe and enjoyable carnival season. In the meantime, I will keep looking at photos, reading all about carnival, wishing that I were there in person, but realizing that life does not always yield the fruits we desire at the time we desire them. I look forward to next year’s carnival where my voice will be heard and my presence will be felt in more ways than one. While I would prefer to be in Dominica, I am satisfyingly proud to be part of this historical occurrence, the “BLIZZARD” of 2010, realizing this is the first such “BLIZZARD” in many years, and the possibility that I might not be privileged to experience another one.