Trying to get to work

[fbhjr]

I was going to go into the office this morning and went out at 4:45 to start clearing my car. The ice from yesterday’s storm was frozen to all of the windows, so I blasted the heat on the inside while I chipped away at it. It took about 20 minutes to get it all clear.

I started to drive out of the parking lot, which requires going up a big hill. I could see the ice shining on the road and knew it was slippery, so I kept my speed slow and steady.
But, about 3/4 of the way up the hill, the car stopped.
Too much ice.

I looked around. All the parking spots to either side were taken. But, there was an empty spot in front of the entrance to a building. I tried to get my car out of the drive way to there.
But, I started to spin clockwise doing it and began drifting right towards a van by the side.
I hit the breaks, and managed to stop about an inch from its back tail light.

I put the car in reverse, turned the wheels hard over and gunned it so I spun out past it, back into the driveway. I didn’t see it move, so I don’t think I hit it. But, I couldn’t see any space between us either.
I managed to guide the car back down the icy hill very slowly. Where it curves to go behind the building was an empty spot and I got it into that and walked back to our apartment.
As soon as I got out of the car I slipped and almost fell on my back. So, I did not climb the icy hill to look at that van. I looked at the front of my car and the ice was still in place on the front. I don’t think I hit the van if my ice was intact.

We’ve lived here 29 1/2 years. This is the first time I wasn’t able to get up that hill.
But, there have been other storms where I didn’t try at all. So, maybe it would have happened then.

It’s already above freezing. So, the ice should be gone by later today.
My wife offered to loan me her car with its all wheel drive. But, if the wheels don’t touch the ground, I don’t think it matters how many spin.

Comments

[armiphlage]

That must have been terrifying.

[fbhjr]

My pulse was certainly elevated.
But, it was more frustrating that terrifying as when my car was stopped right next to that van I was hard pressed to think of a way not to hit them. And, I was worried with the ice that if I hit them, it might slide hitting the next and on down the hill. So, I’m glad my gunning it to the back right got me clear…

[brickhousewench]

Living on a hill means not leaving the house after ice storms. And sometimes after snow storms.