Article Contributed on: 12/21/2006 9:50:00 AM
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Cabin fever hits in less than 12 hours for me, but I waited it out without maiming any of my family members in order to venture into the depths of snow today, Thursday, December 21, 2006.
Dateline, Littleton, CO: Ann Himel and her two companions, daughter Catherine and faithful Labrador Rocky, ventured outside in (not quite) the worst blizzard on record to clear a path to freedom. Where will they go? "Probably nowhere, " answers Ann, "this weather is only fit for 5-year olds and beasts!"
Himel put a good effort into the shoveling, cursing once again that her family still has not purchased a snow blower. "We really don't have room to store it anywhere until the boys move out for good. It's amazing how those little rugrats grow to be gigantic carpet baggers, taking up every square inch of space in our home."
Himel is not complaining, though, as her two sons vacated the house for the storm, and she's noticed the deafening silence in the house.
"My daughter, husband, Phil and I are playing many rounds of Pretty Pretty Princess and building puzzles over and over and over again. I think Cat's in the house putting on a show for Daddy right now."
Despite the quality family time and endless kindergarten entertainment, Himel is a little concerned over what the rest of the week holds. Ann's brother, Dale, is expected to arrive from San Francisco on Friday the 22nd around noon. "I have my doubts that the flights will be on schedule by then. Actually, I'm more worried about my mother going to pick him up. I really miss my 4WD. If can't get out of my house, I know my 82-year-old mom won't be able to, either. When I call her today, I'm sure she'll tell me Dale will have to take a cab to the house."
Himel's mother, Lyda McConnell, lives in Arvada in her own home, but naturally, Ann worries about her 24/7. "With 24 inches of snow on the ground and at least six more inches expected to come in, I'm worried about Mom, about our weekend holiday trips planned for Boulder on Saturday, Loveland on Sunday, and Westminster on Monday, Christmas Day. We can't get out of our driveway until they plow our street, which rarely happens. We'll be digging out by hand, I'm certain."
Himel is thrilled, though, that Santa is an old pro at winter travel.
"I have no worries whatsoever that Santa will come through for all the kids. I've seen a lot of Christmases, and he's never missed one yet! "
The Holiday Blizzard of 2006 is expected to continue throughout much of the day today. The wake of the storm will undoubtedly change travel plans and leave residents digging out for the next few days.
Note: Maybe I am going crazy, all cooped up in the house - I've never interviewed myself before.