Devonne Brown

A civilian doesn’t get it, gets mad when they hear about it, gets furious if they have kids in school, and they hear the words “Snow Day.” Yet, those are soul soothing words to a teacher. Even one who believes her class to be so important that her instructional time is the most important part of any child’s day will get over it. On the outside, she will rail about the loss of “instructional time” this, and “instructional time” that, when secretly she smiles that she does not have to dig her car out of her driveway. 

It’s only the earliest of December and we have been teased with snow. Thanksgiving dusted us with a bit, a sugar coated landscape offered no significant issues with waterpipes nor driving. That won’t come until February, when the cold hasn’t stopped since December and the ice can’t be held at bay any longer. 

Snow Day season has officially opened. It could happen any time now. Teachers diligently watch the weather reports for possible school closures due to inclement weather, please God. We stay stocked up with bread, milk, toilet paper, and eggs. I don’t use milk, I keep half and half for the cat. But I am vigilant and ready to stay home for a week if necessary. I keep my favorite cake mix ingredients in the kitchen just for the occasion, the Snow Day cake, chocolate covered cherry cake. It’s only to be made if we have more than one snow day in a row, my son’s birthday, or Christmas. That’s how serious Snow Days are.

Sometimes, a Snow Day has to be helped along, like a baby has to be helped with a midwife. There are secret teacher ceremonies involving red wine and dancing to help bring the Snow Day which are quite effective if done properly. They cannot be discussed here. The ceremonies are sacred. It is enough to say that they exist. 

1 Box Devil’s Food Cake Mix

2 eggs

1 stick butter

1 can cherry pie filling

¾ bag of dark chocolate chunks or chips. I like the chunks best

Melt the butter in the bottom of the mixing bowl. Add cake mix butter, beaten eggs, cherry pie filling, and chocolate chunks. Stir everything carefully so you don’t break up the cherries. Pour it in a greased, parchment lined springform pan and bake at 350 until the center isn’t wobbly. About 45 – 60 minutes. You have to watch it. Dust with powdered sugar. 

Serve with coffee and good cheer.