Icy Sheets

I knew it was dangerous to plan a trip based on weather reporting accuracy, but I tried, last night to leave the Erskine family Christmas party in time to avoid the ice-storm, which was scheduled to hit our area at 7 pm. Well, it hit at 4:30, and was thereby well established before we arrived. I-5 was only wet, but when we exited at Woodland, the picture was different. Slush on the off-ramp, ice and snow on less-travelled roads. Cedar Creek Road was pure, dry sheets of ice. Out of the remotest hope of better conditions, we followed it along the flat stretches near Woodland, until we reached the first hill, which is plenty steep. Opened the door, reached down and felt the texture of the roadway. Nope. Not going to make it. Turned around and stayed at the Econolodge, in Woodland (which I can recommend as fully passable economy lodging.)
This morning, the rain came and melted the ice. We made a break for home. Four cars were in varying states of catiwhompussness on the very hill we turned away from on the night before. Smugness filled my head, and indeed our whole car.
So now we're safely ensconced in our cozy abode. The power must have been out overnight for 6 hours or so, based on our stove's blinking time. The temperature was still 69 F though, when we arrived.
The oppossum must have thawed enough to fall out of it's tree. Sorry folks, I know how much you wanted to see that picture.