Everyone was talking about it. It was even on the radio. It was that
cold. It was the coldest day anyone could remember. It was so cold that school
was cancelled, not because of the snow, which was coming down heavily, but
because the school was afraid the oil and gas that ran the school busses
might freeze. (I suppose they were afraid we kids might freeze, too!)
It was so cold, in fact, that except for policemen and firemen and hospital
workers and road crews and electrical repairmen, almost everyone stayed home
from work.
"Look at that snow come down!" my Dad said, peering through the window.
His voice brightened. "Let's build a snowman!"
My Dad and I were almost out the door when my mother said
sternly, "And where do you think you're going?"
"We're going to build a snowman!" I grinned happily.
"I don't think so. Not dressed like that. Haven't you noticed?
It's freezing outside! You," she said, pointing to me. "Get on an extra
pair of slacks, an extra sweater, and an extra pair of socks. And you," she
said, shaking her head at Dad. "Gloves and hats for everyone."
Nobody ever argued with my Mom. (Not and live.) We bundled up. Then
we ran outside and made the best snowman ever!
Mr. Henry, who lived next door, came over and gave us his old top hat
to put on our snowman's head. Mrs. Henry gave us a wave through her kitchen
window and shouted, "You crazy fool. What are you doing out there without
your coat?"
Mr. Henry's teeth were chattering. So were mine. "It's freezing out
here," he chattered. "I'm going in."
"Me, too," I said.
"Me, too," Dad shivered.
"It's the most beautiful snowman I've ever seen," Mom told us, when
we raced inside. She handed around hot chocolate. "I do love that top hat!
How nice of Mr. Henry to bring it out to you."
"I feel like I'm on fire!" my Dad gulped.
My mother made a face. "You're lucky," she said. "Your ears are just
a little red. Imagine what real frostbite feels like."
You Be the
Detective
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