Clean hands and a pure heart triumph again

[valarltd]

I thought this was it.
I really thought this was the day Mom Didn't Make It Home From Work.

It's snowing.
Snowing like we haven't seen in Arkansas in...ever. Snowing like I haven't seen since about 1990.
And blowing.

And I was driving in it.

My trailer skidded out from under me. I felt it go. I countersteered and over-corrected. I countersteered the other way, and figured the two cars beside me had to look out for themselves. By some Hermetic miracle, I stayed on the road, upright, and in my own lane, without hitting them.

Less than a mile later, I passed a rig that wasn't as lucky/skilled/gods-blessed. He'd jackknifed it off into the ditch.

I'm parked at the terminal tonight, still shaky.
Linehaul won't leave until 7 AM, so I don't have to be anywhere until 1030ish.

Comments

[twinkelbelpeach.livejournal.com]

You were soooo very lucky. I just got home a short while ago from
seeing a three care smash-up in front of a Burger King. And we
don't even have snow. Take care and stay safe.

[valarltd.livejournal.com]

The not hitting was the luckiest part.

[kadath.livejournal.com]

Shit! Glad you pulled through, hon.

[valarltd.livejournal.com]

Yep, said that a LOT
(I remember at least eight as I steered out)

[sydmcginley.livejournal.com]

Glad you're ok.
I spun out in my car and turned around and went home.
Good move. Work cancelled shortly thereafter!

[valarltd.livejournal.com]

Spinning a car is terrifying.
I've been in one several times, and done it twice.
Glad you're safe too.

[nbrooks.livejournal.com]

*shudder* I've spun out once on black ice at the tender driving age of 18.

It scarred me for life. It started all my driving neuroses, and now I won't drive in even the smallest smattering of snow.

:(

[idadebeautreux.livejournal.com]

Oh whoooa! Glad to hear you kept your cool and made it through okay.

I always seem to forget that the rest of the country doesn't get that snow like we get up here in New England! It's funny; I don't even think about it when I have to drive in snow anymore...

[valarltd.livejournal.com]

I can drive in snow. I just have trouble driving in blizzards with gusts so strong they can slam the secured trailer door...on me (I'm bruised) and blow the freight around the parking lot.

I got into a patch of ice that got my rear tires. Not my first semi-trip in snow, but my first one empty, which means VERY large light target for that crosswind

[valarltd.livejournal.com]

The same way I pick up and keep writing after bad reviews.
I don't have a choice, really. Gotta feed the addiction.
White line or white paper, it's all the same.

[samcdermott65.livejournal.com]

I hate traveling in snow and avoid it when possible. Unfortunately, in your case, driving is your living. Thank goodness your slip didn't amount to anything but the shakes. Take care, stay parked, and know that you're being thought of.

shari

[valarltd.livejournal.com]

Actually, I'm at home.
I live 3 miles from the terminal, so I parked and Mudd picked me up
I had a long hot shower and some pizza and am bundled up all cozy as I write.

I finished two short stories tonight. Must still be running on adrenaline.

[samcdermott65.livejournal.com]

Best place to be. Glad to hear you got home safe.

shari

[cbpotts.livejournal.com]

Good lord, Girl! Glad you are safe & sound

[valarltd.livejournal.com]

So many weren't that lucky.
Today the I-40/I-55 split is closed because 2 rigs jackknifed.
This effectively means all major highway traffic from the west is cut off from Memphis.

Parts of my route are closed today and all of it is ice.
Line-haul (the truck that pulls my trailer up from Mississippi) hasn't even left yet. I'm running tomorrow when it's 50.