TRACTION

2 pm departed work in the midst of furious snow.

I barely made it across the Hennepin/Lyndale intersection, realizing as I tried not to redline my trusty Ford Focus SVT, that I would be hard pressed to make it all the way up he ramp to get on I94 east. But I was determined and managed to make it.

Clearly plows were not yet out. As I contemplated the depth of the snow already making the roadway tricky, I made my lane change in the tunnel. Then I changed again realizing I needed to get off the Interstate and onto something flatter where I could abandon my car on a side street if neccessary.

I rocked and revved my spiffy if damn-near-worthless car through several stoplights before I finally reached the junction of Hiawatha, 55 and 62.

NO TRACTION!!

Several of us sat through countless cycles of the traffic light with traffic going nowhere. Finally, I had room to spin and fling snow across the intersection onto the overpass. After sitting there and attempting to jockey for position for over 20 minutes, several of us realized that eastbound traffic under us facing the direction of the Mendota Bridge was going - NOT AT ALL.

So I got a push from a friendly minivab driver who nudged me me with his bumper across the intersection toward the Fort Snelling Light Rail lot. It was past time for evasive manuevers. No way is this little low car gonna make it home before plows are out, especially any inclines at all.

I didn't even attempt the fortress of snow blocking the entrance to the north lot. When I finally attempted a run into the south lot four guys had to push me about 50 yards into the first available parking spot.A guy in a Beamer needed our he'll, too.THANKFUL my Good Samaritan rescuers!

After tears, swearing, heart-thumping anxiety, and a mega-dose of frustration I grabbed my crap and bought a train ticket to head for refuge at the Mall of America at 3:45 pm.

I know when there's no point in trying to gain traction. Besides, I'm sure there's no helpful tread on those tires after this afternoon's blustery 10 mile excursion! Dale says traffic is still bad and more snow is on the way.perhaps I'll go see a movie.

Faithfully posted with my Blackberry Curve from Barnes and Noble at MOA.

To be continued ...