We had a storm yesterday. Now, here in Portland we're used to rain. Lots of rain. Rain, rain, rain rain. But this was a snow storm. Our USPS team lived up to the motto of "neither rain nor snow...." in admirable fashion.
Well, we just don't do snow. That's not how we roll. Our daring denizens were not dismayed and dashed into the winter wonderland with nary a care nor caution. Turns out that maybe a little care and caution could have been perhaps a better idea.
Examples you ask? Examples I provide. In any city it is probable that encounters of road rage will present themselves. But here in Portland we have snowball rage. Let's suppose that you are driving down the street. Some teenagers are throwing snowballs at each other. What a picture of wintertime bliss! But wait - what if a random, not even intentional, snowball hits your car? What should you do? Of course! Jump out and stab one of the little hooligans. Welcome to Portland.
Well, at least our school systems exhibit the proper precaution. Very quickly schools planned and communicated their closures. Except for the suburb of Beaverton. In the face of impending snow and ice the district determined that they would take a stand against nature. The schools would remain open and the buses were sent to fetch the students. And then the district realized that, well maybe they should not have done that. Several chained up buses slid off the road, and nature had her revenge when the superintendent drove out to fly the flag and rescue some of the kids. Her car slid off of the road and into the bus.
But that's not all - among the dozens of kids that were injured in sledding accidents is the tragic story of a young girl that was being towed behind her father's pickup. He lost control and she was flung into a concrete school bench and suffered fatal injuries. Reports indicate that he was drinking and could face criminal charges. Sad, so very sad.
Well, you may think that I'm exaggerating but check this video clip out. Oh yeah, add to the list that we don't stay inside where it is safe. Just like the faithful postal workers mentioned above (Lisa, Al - you rock!) we know how to drive in bad weather and aren't afraid to show it.
