Colorado's Blizzard of 2006
By Mila Glodava
Colorado's Blizzard of 2006
By Mila Glodava
You probably saw it on national news (it was also news in the Philippines) -- our Colorado Blizzard of 2006 leaving us with more than 31 inches of snow. Yes, it was winter wonderland in Colorado, and indeed, we did not have to dream of a white Christmas. It was a White Christmas all right, and then some. As the Nitty Gritty Band sings, "The closest thing to heaven on this planet anywhere, is a quiet Christmas morning in the Colorado snow." Just take a look at the photos below, and you know what this line means well they're not exactly like the postcard-perfect photo of winter snow in Vail or Aspen, but the snow on our front and back yard, still gives a hint of the magic of a white Christmas.
Two consecutive weeks of snowstorm have not been easy for Colorado, which saw the last significant snowstorm in March 2003. Outgoing Gov. Bill Owens declared a state of emergency twice in two weeks. It means most offices were closed and the National Guard was called out to help stranded motorists or any emergency situation. It also means we get Federal aid for the million-dollar cost of this snowstorm. Although the aid will not cover the entire cost, it certainly would be a great help for the millions of dollars in the cost of clean up and repairs of damaged properties. But lost revenues and wages would be harder to recoup.
Meanwhile, two weeks snowbound means cabin fever, no mail nor trash collection for days, and really, really cold nights. Yes, it's more than an inconvenience for many, yet despite all these, we thank God that there has been only one fatality reported. What we can't ignore, however, were the thousands and thousands of stranded passengers at the Denver International Airport, which was transformed into a tent city and make shift home for those who can't get out.
Among those stranded at DIA, were my son, Kevin and his wife Trish, who went to the airport by 5 or 6 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 20, and were scheduled to fly at 8 a.m. to North Carolina to visit the Trainers, Trish's parents. Cancellations after cancellations meant rebooking for Trish and Kevin. Four hours later, they were booked for Saturday, Dec. 23, and headed back home. Well, not quite so fast! The drive that usually takes about 40 or 45 minutes, took them more than four hours. They were totally exhausted and hungry by the time they reach home, but forgot all about it once they were met by their two dogs and frolicked in the snow with them.
They are now back home from North Carolina, and they are quite happy that they missed the same ordeal when they returned on time Wednesday, Dec. 27, the day before the second snowstorm came into town. Nevertheless, they will never forget their experience of Colorado Storm 2006.
It has been two weeks since I've ventured out by myself. Our street has finally seen the snowplow, but did not really clean the mess. Everyone is getting tired of shoveling the snow (you probably can see Mark shoveling our curb). But as the old saying goes, you have to make the most of any situation. So that's what we did. Mark and I had time to read, to listen to music, to pray, and to eat all the fattening Christmas leftovers. Bishop Tirona suggested in a text message, "Enjoy your holidays," and we did. We also had time to work on projects we have ignored for months. In fact, I had been organizing my voluminous collection of past projects, and thus have found many great ideas for the website. Have you noticed the daily updates? Thank Colorado Snowstorm 2006 for them.
Oh yes, we did have quiet but wonderful Christmas with Kirsten, who thoroughly enjoyed the Karaoke mike we gave her, and with Mark's brother, Phil, and his family -- Donna, Rick and Stephen.
Indeed, we end 2006 with a bang! And with this we wish you all an exciting and prosperous 2007!