“Beware the Ides of March!” Such was William Shakespeare’s advice to Julius Caesar, who was famously murdered on March 15th in 44 B.C., a day that became known as the “Ides of March.” Earlier this week, we heard similar warnings as meteorologists predicted storm Stella would deliver massive amounts of snow and dangerous winds. When the storm finally passed we missed the predicted snowfall by about 10 inches. However, that did not stop people from stocking up on supplies in case the Snow-mageddon fulfilled its promise.
Frankly, we blame the groundhog. Without his prediction of six more weeks of winter, there may not have been the need for the National Weather Service to begin predicting snowfall amounts almost a week before Stella actually arrived. Just two weeks ago we had temperatures in the 60’s. Perhaps Phil’s (the groundhog) prognostication and the lack of wintry weather to date left us all susceptible to a little pre-storm frenzy. We admit our refrigerator is well stocked for the foreseeable future and even withstood the onslaught of a hoard of teenagers. Yes, we picked up another one for the duration of the storm. And we certainly enjoyed the day off from our normal routine.
We did venture out Tuesday to observe first-hand the town’s response to the storm. After all, as a news organization, it is our duty to observe and report, or so we told ourselves. Venturing out was not for those without four-wheel drive. There was a lot of snow out there. However, we were impressed as we drove from central Greenwich to Riverside at how well plowed the side roads were. That was, until we reached the Post Road, which did not look like it was plowed at all. Of course the Post Road, Route 1, is not a town road but a state road and therefore the responsibility of the state to plow. Perhaps with the travel ban in effect, the Governor was trying to save a little money by not plowing it as earnestly as Greenwich was plowing her roads.
As we moved about town, it was quiet—very quiet. Few stores were open. All the Starbucks were closed, which we are sure was cause for panic for some. People were heeding the Governor’s, as well as First Selectman Peter Tesei’s and Police Chief Jim Heavey’s, advice to stay off the roads. With a lack of cars on the roads and the snow falling, Greenwich was blanketed in quiet beauty. We were not rushing anywhere, mainly because we wanted to ensure our truck stayed on the road, but also because there was no reason to. Even the financial markets seemed to not be in a rush. With so much of the East Coast affected by the storm, volume on the trading floors was lower than normal. It allowed for a friend to play hokey for a little bit and help us investigate if there was any flooding with the afternoon high tide. There was not.
Greenwich seemed determined to take the day off. We have written about it before. Those unexpected snow days can be a welcome respite from the workweek. They can also be the perfect opportunity for magical moments to occur. Whether it is watching your child completely focused on finishing the last book in the “Harry Potter” series, or a group of teenage girls making cookies while laughing hysterically, or just watch the dogs play in the snow, it was a good day off.
As the travel ban lifted, word went out that Caren Vizzo’s Cos Cobber would open that evening. She did not have her full staff, so if we went we might need to help out. An adult magical moment was about to occur. Shortly after 6 p.m. a group began to gather. Caren prepared plentiful and delicious food. What made it magical is that we were not rushed. We had the chance to visit with friends, including Caren, and really enjoy one another’s company. Of course, Wednesday returned us to our daily routines. But thanks to Stella and the groundhog, Tuesday was a snow day worth having.
