Barbie Perkins-Cooper, Author

Dearest Readers:

In a world of updated, upgraded technology I find it a bit funny that the City of Charleston is virtually CRIPPLED due to the snow storm. Our roads are still slippery with black ice. I understand that because a snow storm in Charleston is not normal; nevertheless, I cannot get a newspaper (aka Post and Courier) since Wednesday morning. I attempted to phone them. All I got on the phone was “Goodbye.” Suppose their outdated, antiquated communication device is overloaded with calls. Let’s forget the US Mail? Isn’t mail supposed to be delivered thru “snow, sleet and hail?” We haven’t had any mail in the new year of 2018.

Yes, the roads are horrific. According to a news source last night, there have been many accidents. Drivers are still doing the speed limits and they are tailgating. Many tow trucks are a bit too busy. A pedestrian was killed due to a car losing control and hitting the pedestrian. Alerts pop up on my IPhone letting me know about road and bridge conditions. Living like this makes me think of how Charleston must’ve been in the 1800’s, only now – it is 2018. This city is not prepared for these conditions. I’ve lived in Charleston for over 40 years. The only significant snow storm I’ve seen was in 1989, after Hurricane Hugo, God blessed this city with a beautiful blanket of snow on Christmas Day, 1989.

People who moved here because it is such a ‘lovely, historical city’ are slightly irritated now, actually asking WHY can’t this city scrape the roads, or why can’t Charleston purchase road scrapers so we can get out?

News Alert Break for Charleston – we are a tourist city. We do not normally have snow. We are not prepared because in many ways we pride ourselves for being a tourist icon. If you came to visit our beautiful city and are finding yourself trapped in a hotel room, well — this too shall pass.

Today is day three of the snow. My precious Bratty Boys enjoy every time they go outside. They hop like deer through the snow, chasing one another, playing, refusing to come inside. Of course, I continue inviting them inside. Reluctantly, they rush to the door, only to slide at the doorway. Such little clowns.

My husband has been home since Wednesday morning. He has cabin fever now – getting on my nerves just a bit!

Yesterday, Weight Watchers could not open due to road and bridge conditions. Suppose I’ll wait until next Thursday to hear the latest about Freestyle.

Meanwhile, I am enjoying the snow. As for the crippling of a city? Not enjoying it too much. After all, this is Charleston, South Carolina. Our climate is normally almost tropical. I pray my saga palms, and other plants will survive this snow. Suppose I’ll not know that until the early spring when and if they bloom.

Welcome to Charleston, tourists. If you are a snow bird, annoyed with our weather, well you could always go to Florida. That is — when the road conditions improve. One thing this city and every city cannot do is to control the weather.  Soon, you may click your heels and say, “there’s no place like home…there’s no place like home.” Hopefully, you’ll enjoy the snow – just like I am.

Happy Snow Days!