Delano Herald Journal

Serving the communities of Delano, Loretto, Montrose, MN, and the surrounding area

Sue Fink’s Imagine That Column, 4/24/2000



Isn’t our weather interesting?

Being Minnesotans, we knew something had to happen. We
couldn’t just glide into spring with all that nice warm weather we were
enjoying. It looks like we’re in for two days of rain now. Just when
Tom is getting all his equipment ready for the planting season!

Because his goal is to have his corn planted by May 1,
I can forecast a mostly cloudy disposition with occasional thunderstorms
if this wet weather keeps up.

The mix of rain, ice, and sleet over the weekend made me
glad I wasn’t traveling anywhere. A few years ago, we were driving home
from St. Cloud. We were headed east on 94 nearing Monticello.

Suddenly, brake lights flashed on all the cars up ahead.
There was no accident or police car in sight. Why did everyone slow down
so suddenly? Just as I was thinking they must know something we didn’t
know, our car started to slide. Question answered!

The trip home from Monticello was a white knuckle driving
experience. It was one of those times when luck, as well as skill, gets
you to your destination.

We passed many cars in the ditch on our way down Highway
25 to Buffalo. I held my breath as we skated along Highway 55, down County
Road 14, and finally east on Highway 12 to our destination on County Road.
92. We made it into the driveway, but couldn’t make it around the corner
into the garage.

Tom made several attempts, spinning and sliding all over
as he tried to negotiate the curve in the driveway. Finally, I had to
jump out and spread some ashes on the driveway. After several more attempts,
the car finally spun it’s way into the garage. Sigh! We made it!

During the slow progress of our drive home, I had been
hoping that Lisa and Jesy had come home after school, instead of staying
for play practice. No such luck. The car they drove wasn’t in the driveway.
Lisa hadn’t been driving that long, so I was a basket case. I was sure
she would never make it home.

We have a circular drive that loops around past the south
side of the house. The side nearest the house has the steepest entry.
That is also the straight shot into the garage. That was Lisa’s first
choice when she finally made it home, much to her parent’s relief. It was
impossible for her to make it up the incline. After several tries, she backed
out and drove over to the second driveway. She would get just so far,
and then the car would sit and spin.

Tom went out to take over the driving.

Of course, Lisa was miffed that we doubted her driving
ability. According to her, she had no trouble at all driving home. As
usual, I was all concerned for nothing. Silly me!

I don’t remember if the kids had school the next day or
not. I doubt it. I do remember that walking down to the barn the next morning
was an adventure. It was more like taking two steps forward and sliding
back three. The real fun began when I tried to step up onto the cement
slab in front of the milk house door.

I would lift my foot to step up, and my other foot would
slide out from under me. I tried approaching from the side, and leaning
against the milk house.

My hand slid along the slick siding, and I caught myself
just before I went over backwards. I finally got down on my hands and knees
and crawled up the step. I pulled the icy door open by the bottom corner,
and slithered inside.

I was thankful no one was in the milk house to see my
graceful entrance. Tom kidded me, later, that if he had seen me out there
he would have opened the door and knocked me off the step. And here I thought
my help was needed in the barn.

I guess the next time we have an ice storm, I’ll just make
it easier for both of us and stay in bed!

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