Weather Changes

Just about six months ago, we were not suffering from 105 percent humidity, the annual visit of the crunchy centipedes or daily downpours.

Six months ago, we were all glued to the television reports of hundreds of people stuck in their cars on expressways, school children spending the night in their schools or on school buses, all major roads were blocked as people left their jobs in mass as the dreaded mention of “snowflake” was uttered by the news media.

Serious reporters dressed like they were in Alaska somehow made their way to interview stranded motorists, passing out water, but no advice as how to unlock the gridlock and drive up an icy hill.

Weather men and women were the rock stars of the day as they were reporting 24 hours a day. We learned a lot about melting ice on roads. No longer is it a good idea to use salt and sand. Now, they tell us about a brine mixture which will melt ice better without harming the environment so much.

Some towns we heard mixed sugar beet juice in their brine. Wisconsin, cheese capital of the United States, naturally they use cheese in their salt and sand. One state decided molasses would make the salt and sand stick to the road. Des Moines once used garlic salt. Georgia could use peach juice, I guess.

And just in case you were wondering, yes, five months from today is Christmas Eve. You still have time for some holiday shopping without the crowds and while your at it, pick up some rock salt just in case we have another Ice Jam.