A couple months ago, my sister offered me the perfect opportunity to bond with my niece and nephew. I could come babysit while her and her husband went to Jamaica. Hmm. I’d rather be in Jamaica…but, Nashville should be definitely warmer in February than New Hampshire. Right? I mean right?
You see, it’s really hard to bond with my niece and nephew over a container of Play-Doh or a good book when my kids are around. And, what a great chance to escape the snow storms and knee deep snow for a while. Maybe see some grass. Green grass.
SURPRISE!
My sister called and said there was a whopping snow storm coming through TN of 3-5 inches. You might have heard about it on the news. I kinda laughed to myself. 3-5 inches? I mean come on. That’s like a sprinkling of fairy dust in the land I come from. So I lost a day of preparation and got on an early flight to miss the storm. Well, good thing I did. She wasn’t kidding when she said Nashville closes down before a flurry even hits the pavement.
TWIST! (and I don’t mean the dance)
The airports closed for over 24 hours. I learned several things about Nashville.
One, they have like one plow truck for the whole city. So side streets don’t get plowed! (gasp) They wait for the snow to melt! Except, in this case, it stayed cold here, like 15 degree New Hampshire cold. (so much for green grass) So, it’s day three and the streets are still covered with icy chunks of snow.
Two, I learned that I’m a total sledding snob. The day after the snow here, people flocked to the hills like Julie Andrews. And they weren’t wearing matching LLBean snow suits. Kids were wearing sneakers, their mom’s furry fashion boots, mix-matched sweatshirts, jeans, and a few actually had snow pants. I felt like I’d gone back in time.
TURN!
The kids and adults were sledding in the streets! No worries about snow plows. No worries about cars because no one has snow tires. I watched one lady use a rake to shovel her driveway. We walked to the nearest sledding hill and it was packed. And really, who needs a sled? A laundry basket, cookie sheet, or piece of cardboard will work just as well. Or your parent’s 40 year old runner sled. You know, the dangerous kind, they suggest not to use anymore. It was a joy to watch.
In New Hampshire, we take snow for granted. We only hit the hills when there’s been a good snow, then we wait a day for other sledders to pack it down, then we go. And if there’s sleet, so the hills turn to a sheet of ice, well, we know to stay home. And some people don’t go sledding – they go skiing. Like I said, we’re total sledding snobs.
In Tennessee, I feel like I’m in Southtown when the Cold Meiser was allowed to make it snow for one day. And, it has been a lot of fun to watch EVERYONE hit the hills singing and sledding and having plain old fun.
And now, I’ve heard that on Wed. when I’m flying home, New Hampshire might get a snow storm. I just might have to patch up my laundry basket. Or not.
All this to say, I love unexpected surprises, twists, and turns when I’m reading. Have you added one to your story?
What a classic middle grade. I first bought it after hearing Kate speak at the New England SCBWI. This book won the E.B. White read aloud award and I’m not surprised. Excellent writing and storytelling with a moving ending.
I’ve read this story. I’ve critiqued this story. But I can’t wait to read it again, not on my computer or on my Kindle, but holding a book. It’s out folks! Another classic middle grade story filled with heart, humor, and a terrific climax! Watch out for trolls!
