First Snow

On Tuesday, we went on a family outing to In & Out - B.'s visiting home tradition continues since there is one here in Carson City.  We also went to Best Buy to look at TV's.  J. had noticed 'lines' on the roads and freeway earlier that day - Nevada Department of Transportation readying the streets and highways for snow.  They put brine on the roads - it helps prevent ice buildup and is less caustic than salt or sand.  We knew snow was expected and felt good that NDOT was on top of it. 

J. and B. went to the movies in Reno yesterday and then trekked to Scheel's in Sparks.  I stayed home and spent three hours at Urgent Care.  After a couple weeks of feeling terrible, I decided I couldn't keep planning on things getting better on their own - salt water gargles and OTC things weren't helping.  Sinus infection.  I've had two doses of antibiotics so far and feel like a new person.  Glad we found that urgent care place because they can assist with getting prescriptions renewed.  The nurse told me that it will likely take months for us to get an appointment with a primary care physician - there are a lot of people moving here and the health system is overtaxed.  At least we know we can get medication renewals when we need to.

Every morning, I open the blinds expecting snow.  Yesterday, there was a very light dusting on the roofs of the houses behind us and our fence - the cross beam supports where snow can accumulate and take longer to melt.  Last night, it happened and we woke up this morning to very covered ground and cars.  About 3 inches, we think.  There were a few light snow falls throughout the day but it was mostly sunny.  Not warm enough to warm up and melt all the snow - but it was a beautiful day. 

We ventured out of the house to walk to Starbucks.  We live just a couple blocks from one and we are both shocked that we haven't been very often.  Guess my frugal 'I'm retired and living on a fixed income' is kicking in.  But we went today - short walk with B. - hung out in the restaurant for a bit and then walked home. We're binge watching Netflix like crazy. 

Tomorrow, we hope to make it to Reno and Atlantis for a delicious buffet.  On Friday, if weather permits, we might go back to Scheel's 'cuz I'd love to see it.  A Ferris wheel!  Salt water aquariums!  And lots of winter gear! 

B. trekked to Reno this evening to spend time with a friend he met when he was here last summer.  It's a new experience having him ask 'Is there a Walmart nearby?' and when I ask 'what do you need?', his silence was.....enough said.  Glad he's using protection.

He agreed to text when he gets to Reno and text when he's home so that when I wake up in the middle of the night, I don't have to worry.  He's confident but we're not.  Driving in snow is very new to us - and between here and Reno is a very big bridge - one that frequently is closed to trucks due to high winds.  It's a little nerve wracking having him out and about - but he spent his first week of vacation in Canada solo and it's a big adjustment to spend his second week with the parentals. 

We've had a really great time, though - it's great having him here.

H.'s driver's license and new social security card arrived today so we sent them to him via Fed Ex - Tuesday delivery.

It's all new here - the cold, the snow.  It's breathtakingly beautiful - I'm sure when we've been here a long time, it might all get old - but for now, we love it.  It's really a clear sign the season is changing for real -