Snow and ice is rare in Oregon...I'll admit that we're a bunch of wimps...an inch of snow will slow Portland down to a crawl...we're not equipped with snow removal equipment. This last week we've had a series of snow storms, but yesterday, we got almost 10 inches, which effectively shut down the city. We're expecting high winds and freezing rain later today...in the meantime, we're snuggled in and prepared for a few days of really bad weather, with the possibility of power outages. Life has been so hectic so I'll have to admit that Russell and I are thrilled to have a few days at home...with no obligations, no place to go. We've got all our Christmas shopping done, gifts are all wrapped.
As a UPS driver, this is the roughest time of year for them...under normal circumstances, "peak", which is UPS speak for the busy delivery time of year, is long hours. Add in ice and snow, and the job becomes even more stressful. Russell, along with most of his fellow drivers, worked 60 hours this week (by law, they can't drive more than 60 hours a week). Russell's normal route has approximately 90-110 stops...this week, he had approximately 260 stops on his truck every day! Even with a holiday helper, with this weather, that's an impossible number of stops. If you're expecting packages to be delivered by UPS, USPS, or FedEx, extend some grace and kindness to those drivers...they are all working so hard.
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