Madame Hooky's Crystal Ball

Our own Madame Hooky divines whether it's worth calling in sick Friday and heading for the slopes. She'll conjure your excuse and tell you where to go.

The Madame has a snow hangover. Or perhaps it is post-snowstorm depression? Either way, a funk has descended upon my life as the snow in Seattle melts and reveals the trash in the park across the street from my house--the ever-present public park detritus that was conveniently buried under a winter wonderland for well over a week so we almost forgot it was there. You may wish to cut out of work tomorrow to go play, but I'll probably be huddled on the couch in pajamas, nursing a bottle of cuervo.

Should you go, either take off a few hours early for some night skiing at the pass (things are warming up a bit, the snow will be crustier and firm with a light dusting on top, good for ripping lots of groomers under the lights) or skip town for Whistler. Our weather has been impressive, but they've had record-breaking snow and it is still dropping flakes up there this week, with the flurries tapering off by Sunday. If you do go, don't forget to fill up at a Shell station before you cross the border, to get your 2-for-1 pass.

Your excuse? Good old sick. Sick of it all.