23 January 2013 Instant weather replay?

23 January 2013  Instant weather replay?

Cassi Creek:  I am slated to see a dermatologist Friday. 

The forecast for Friday’s weather is:

          Snow, freezing rain, and sleet likely before 11am, then freezing rain and sleet likely between 11am and 1pm, then rain and sleet likely after 1pm. Cloudy, with a high near 37. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

I had an appointment at VA last Thursday that was cancelled due to sleet, snow, and freezing rain.  I have one tomorrow, Thursday, that should be kept given the rather innocuous forecast for tomorrow.  Friday concerns me because of the travel risk.  The roads into Johnson City are narrow, curving, and hilly; with no shoulders.  Cell phone service is spotty along the worst sections.  I’d rather not drive those sections in freezing precipitation. 

          The local drivers, all too often think that they are excellent drivers because they watch and imitate NASCAR races.  If we could somehow confine them to an oval enclosure, and let them play out their fantasies, the roads would be safer for the rest of us. 

          Despite the benefits that such a plan would provide, even with the most cautious of drivers at the wheel, driving in and on freezing rain is highly dangerous and is unsafe at any speed.  The laws of physics, including friction (traction), bodies in motion (direction), velocity (speed), and other factors that are better applied to and calculated upon, dry pavement; are merciless and unbending.  This translates to a markedly increased potential for loss of vehicular control even if one has the best of skills and the best of equipment.  I’d rather be off the roads if the current forecast for Friday holds. 

          Loki alerted me to the resident flock of turkeys marching into the yard.  She wanted desperately to be allowed outside to chase them.  They can fly away from her with the power and speed of a catapult-launched fighter from an aircraft carrier.  I held her inside until they moved on and crossed the creek.  Two males were with the flock today.  One of them is beginning to contest with the other who is older and bigger, for breeding rights.  The full display is impressive, but the females aren’t interested in either of the males.  Food is their priority today.  Such is life in rural Tennessee.