waving wipers

There was snow in the forecast for today.  True to form, all school districts were closed before the first flake formed.  We got an inch or two during the day, so clearly the closures were justified.snow defense

While I enjoy giving the VA natives a hard time about the snow paranoia, there is one custom I have  yet to understand.  For some reason people extend the windshield wipers on their cars whenever snow is predicted.  It’s quite humorous to see commuter lots full of cars with their windshield wipers sticking straight up in the air.

I’m assuming the thought is that it will keep the wipers from being frozen to the windshield.  However, the windshield still gets frozen over and allows the wipers to become coated with snow and/or freezing rain on all sides.  Surely there’s a logical explanation.  Perhaps one day all of us MI transplants here will get to the bottom of the waving wiper strategy.

Inauguration Day

I’d like to attend an Inauguration someday.  From a practical standpoint, however, I never seriously considered this year’s ceremony.  For months the local authorities have been giving dire warnings about traffic, large masses of humanity, and far too few port-a-potties for our young family to be able to go.

Not only were they closing two of the major highways, but also the bridges leading into the city.  Throw a couple million more people than usual in to the mix with below freezing temps, and the couch at home quickly gained appeal.  Fortunately, I was able to work from home today (no, not all government workers had the day off).

I did not vote for President Obama, nor do I agree with many of his policies, but I appreciated today nonetheless.  I love the history, formality, and ceremony.  I’m amazed at the smooth transfer of power each time.  President Obama is now my President, and I will faithfully pray for him and his administration.

On a lighter note, as we watched a replay of parts of the inauguration, our son did his best to spruce up the ceremony while waiting for the next burst of music to begin.  When Elizabeth Alexander read in the Inaugural Poem, “Someone is trying to make music somewhere with a pair of wooden spoons,” Micah was banging away with a pair of wooden spoons on his toy drums.  We were amused.