You’d think we had a blizzard; in fact, we officially got .7 inches of snow

8 Comments

1. 

   AM January 4, 2008

   I don’t know why Asheville City Schools were closed, but the closing of Buncombe County Schools is probably because of the North Buncombe area. Reems Creek Road, which I consider to be a major secondary road up here, was NEVER scraped nor sanded and still has icy patches this morning. I can get out with the 4-wheel drive truck, but the Camry’s going nowhere. Just have to remember that Buncombe County is more than just Asheville (even though WLOS forgets), and the county just can’t seem to handle taking care of all the roads when it snows.

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2. 

   LNC January 3, 2008

   Sorry firelady. My post was way too harsh.I’m definitely not a perfect parent. Just a tired one working 2 jobs and thankful for the time I get with them.I have no doubt that you are a great parent.(probably better than me) So again, I apologize. I’m actually very nice.
   I do think it’s an equipment issue. My road was a solid sheet of ice this morning, but they got some sand and salt on it by 9:30. Mountain roads add to the challenge as well as distant rural areas. For the record, I lived near Beech Mtn for 2 years and love driving in the snow.

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3. 

   firelady January 3, 2008

   Thanks, Ash- (for both your concern and your defending me against the great big meanie who is clearly a perfect parent, sanctimony and all)- you are now my new best friend.

   I wonder if it is an equipment issue- not enough trucks etc. to clear/sand the roads, especially for all of the housing developments built on the sides of mountains. The sun may not hit the roads for long enough periods of the day to dry them out.

   Well, I guess I should tear myself away from the computer and prepare for a fulfilling day with the kids. Any suggestions, LNC, for nurturing parent/child activities?

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4. 

   Lived in Boston January 3, 2008

   Up North, they have snow plows and salting trucks that start running the moment a storm starts. Asheville doesn’t have the machinery to deal with even a small snow fall, and we shouldn’t have to, because it doesn’t happen that often. So just deal with people being cautious because many of the side roads are still snow-covered and slick and the city doesn’t have the resources to help.

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5. 

   Ash January 3, 2008

   LNC, easy there. firelady clearly loves her children – she’s just ready for ’em to get back to school.

   What should schools do? Use some common sense. We live in a city of 70,000 people, a city that got two inches of snow at most, snow which pretty much was gone from major roads by Wednesday afternoon. Sure, there’s snow on some neighborhood roads, but buses can stick to main roads and pick up kids. How do buses operate up North, where they go to school in feet of snow? Do Yankees have special buses or something? I don’t think so. And what about all the parents of kids, who live in the same neighborhoods, yet find some way to get out safely to go to work, to go to the store, to take their kids to Fun Depot, etc.

   All I’m asking for is some application of common sense, rather than a knee-jerk fear reaction to a little snow.

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6. 

   LNC January 3, 2008

   Well, my whole development is still snow covered. Coming home yesterday, I saw several side streets snow covered top to bottom. The same people who complain when they close the schools would be the same people who complain if they opened them and their child got injured in a bus accident on an icy road. Also, while the airport which is south, only received .7 inches, many parts in the county received between 2 and 4 inches. No blizzard, but roads were snow covered and still are in many places. People who close the schools have no way to win. Close schools and get ridiculed by all the Boston transplants. Open schools and risk a lawsuit ,or worse, the death of a child. Gosh, what should they do? Also, it’s an absolute shame that you would be ready to get rid of your kids. Every moment that I can spend with my kids is a blessing.

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7. 

   Ash January 3, 2008

   firelady, if i could explain that, i’d be a genius. it is beyond comprehension. the roads are dry. there’s only the thinnest film of powder left. i just don’t get it.

   i feel for your, firelady. anything this blog can do to keep you from abject panic?

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8. 

   firelady January 3, 2008

   I’m new to Asheville, but could someone explain to me why schools are closed today? I’ve had "January 3" circled on my calender for weeks- a true red letter day when my wonderful children go back to school after the Christmas break. I’m heartbroken, distraught and close to abject panic.

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