Black Ice...
If I had any doubts about my decision to stay here on the farm rather than risk the trip to Lucky Lake, they were eliminated when I walked up the driveway to look at the highway. The highway is covered in a layer of black ice, ranging in thickness but definitely covering most of the surface. Further, my wind-speed indicator in the house had said there was no wind, which does happen from time to time. As it turns out however, what happened is the freezing rain from yesterday has frozen the unit, so despite the high winds it's just not turning. The wind is actually roaring through the leafless trees, and it sounds like a jet airplane out there.
I never realized what a difference the wind-break around the house makes. In the yard there's a slight breeze, but nothing major. The moment you step outside the sheltered area though, the wind literally takes your breath away. The difference is incredible, and there's only a space of about two or three strides between the calm sheltered area and the roaring (and cold) winds of the open area.
As I walked back to the house, a pickup truck came speeding down the highway heading West. I had to ponder the sanity of such a speed, knowing what I did about the condition of the highway's surface. Moving wouldn't be a problem, but stopping, particularly a sudden stop if something like a deer bounded out in front of you, would be almost impossible. Add in high winds, and blowing/drifting snow, and you've got a recipe for disaster. :/
So yes, I'm greatly upset about not being able to attend the funeral, but I take take solace in the fact that Trixstir won't be attending mine from an icy road accident.