It was as though a shade had been pulled across the sky.
Shortly after noon I had been looking out of my office window at a navy blue sky dotted with cotton ball clouds. Just fifteen minutes later the sky was slate gray. All trace of sunshine was gone.
How could the day have changed from one extreme to the other so quickly? The energy I had been feeling at the prospect of getting outdoors for lunch fled as quickly as the day had changed. Suddenly there was nothing I needed more than a twenty minute power nap.
With nothing but gray and wet in the forecast for the immediate future, perhaps that nap would need to me more than twenty minutes. I thought back to the other night when I had pulled the blankets over my head and mumbled to Motivated Mom, "Wake me when it's seventy degrees outside."
Monday, January 31, 2011
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Morning Shimmer
I'm definitely not a morning person, so when I looked out the window this morning to see water where air should have been I chalked it up to a particularly sluggish start.
An attempt to rub the last vestiges of sleep from eyes did nothing to change the view. Scratching the back of my head, I squinted in an attempt to bring the world into focus - and realized it really was damp enough outside to support aquatic life.
The cars in the driveway reflected a flat, silvery light; the film of frozen moisture making it look like the cars had been shrink wrapped with Mylar. Even the very air shimmered as the sun made a vain attempt to cut through the mist.
A shoulder twitching shiver ran through me at the thought of walking out into the damp cold. The morning agenda was definitely going to be limited to a hot breakfast and several extra cups of steaming tea.
An attempt to rub the last vestiges of sleep from eyes did nothing to change the view. Scratching the back of my head, I squinted in an attempt to bring the world into focus - and realized it really was damp enough outside to support aquatic life.
The cars in the driveway reflected a flat, silvery light; the film of frozen moisture making it look like the cars had been shrink wrapped with Mylar. Even the very air shimmered as the sun made a vain attempt to cut through the mist.
A shoulder twitching shiver ran through me at the thought of walking out into the damp cold. The morning agenda was definitely going to be limited to a hot breakfast and several extra cups of steaming tea.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Green Green Grass of Home
After having to contend with snow in the northern end of the state yesterday and this morning, it was great to return to the greener southern climes.
Many around here would say the grass is more of a brown color at this time of year, but compared to 12 inches of white stuff, it's green - green I tell you!
Next to the golden glow of summer sun, green is the color or warmth. Lush vegetation, trees full of leaf, lawns in need of mowing - all of these scream WARM.
...And limes. Limes with their green color are a key component of those frozen concoctions we love to sip when the mercury rises in the thermometer.
Speaking of frozen concoctions - I see it's five o'clock here.
Think summer!
Many around here would say the grass is more of a brown color at this time of year, but compared to 12 inches of white stuff, it's green - green I tell you!
Next to the golden glow of summer sun, green is the color or warmth. Lush vegetation, trees full of leaf, lawns in need of mowing - all of these scream WARM.
...And limes. Limes with their green color are a key component of those frozen concoctions we love to sip when the mercury rises in the thermometer.
Speaking of frozen concoctions - I see it's five o'clock here.
Think summer!
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Snow Gets in the Way
The thing about snow is... it gets in the way. That's why so many of us grumble about the white stuff.
Sure a pouring rain can leave us damp and uncomfortable, but with the benefit of a poncho or umbrella we can still go about our business. Splashing through a puddle is inconvenient, but the puddle doesn't need to be moved out of the way.
Having to dig a path to our cars, having to dig our cars out, having to dig our way to the mailbox, all of this is more than inconvenient - it's an additional chore none of us need in an already too busy world.
I fail to understand why civilization ever expanded beyond a narrow equatorial belt.
Sure a pouring rain can leave us damp and uncomfortable, but with the benefit of a poncho or umbrella we can still go about our business. Splashing through a puddle is inconvenient, but the puddle doesn't need to be moved out of the way.
Having to dig a path to our cars, having to dig our cars out, having to dig our way to the mailbox, all of this is more than inconvenient - it's an additional chore none of us need in an already too busy world.
I fail to understand why civilization ever expanded beyond a narrow equatorial belt.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Huntin' Down Cold
The weather here has been such that EVERYBODY talks about the cold. Even folks who normally profess to enjoy the cold are making derogatory comments. I've noticed in conversations that Cold seems to have taken on a life of it's own.
Joe's car didn't start. Not because of low temperatures. Cold prevented Joe's car from starting.
The water main on Ginny's street broke. Not because of low temperatures. Cold made the pipe break.
Billy headed off to school with wet hair and his hat froze to his head. Not because of low temperatures. Cold caused the hat to freeze to Billy's head.
If Cold was smart, Cold would get out of town before angry folks start rounding up a posse. Cold won't stand a chance against a platoon of angry citizens armed with propane heaters and heat guns.
Joe's car didn't start. Not because of low temperatures. Cold prevented Joe's car from starting.
The water main on Ginny's street broke. Not because of low temperatures. Cold made the pipe break.
Billy headed off to school with wet hair and his hat froze to his head. Not because of low temperatures. Cold caused the hat to freeze to Billy's head.
If Cold was smart, Cold would get out of town before angry folks start rounding up a posse. Cold won't stand a chance against a platoon of angry citizens armed with propane heaters and heat guns.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Turbocharged Possum
There was no hesitation on the part of the possum despite being illuminated by the headlights of my car.
The little critter had probably thought it had a clear shot across the winding two lane road... Until I steered my car around the bend just as the possum was reaching the double yellow center line.
With never a thought about changing direction, the possum ramped up from a double to triple time pace. Nose and tail touching the road like a slot car with a pin engaged in the track, the possum's legs were a blur of frantic energy. I could easily imagine the animal muttering oh crap, oh crap, oh crap as my car rolled ever closer.
A slight turn to the left on my part, coupled by a last second kick in of the possum's built in turbocharger (otherwise known as PANIC) led to the ugly critter reaching safety in the brush along the side of the road.
I can picture him now, quietly hanging from the branch of a fallen tree and boasting to his offspring how he was certain he'd outpace the car right from the start.
The little critter had probably thought it had a clear shot across the winding two lane road... Until I steered my car around the bend just as the possum was reaching the double yellow center line.
With never a thought about changing direction, the possum ramped up from a double to triple time pace. Nose and tail touching the road like a slot car with a pin engaged in the track, the possum's legs were a blur of frantic energy. I could easily imagine the animal muttering oh crap, oh crap, oh crap as my car rolled ever closer.
A slight turn to the left on my part, coupled by a last second kick in of the possum's built in turbocharger (otherwise known as PANIC) led to the ugly critter reaching safety in the brush along the side of the road.
I can picture him now, quietly hanging from the branch of a fallen tree and boasting to his offspring how he was certain he'd outpace the car right from the start.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Hotel Sleepless
The slam of a door. Muffled voices. The slam of a door. Laughter. Water running in pipes. A toothbrush being knocked on a sink. The slam of a door. The voice of a woman calling for a companion to wait.
I've always known that a hotel is not a place to get a good night's sleep. I had hoped the bottle of champagne I had shared would allow me to block the ever present sounds of other travelers. Such was not the case.
When a door slammed for the fifth time, I threw back the crisp sheets, padded over to the window, and pulled back the drapery. The clock in front of a nearby bank showed the time to be 2:45. The roads were empty. Nothing moved outside the hotel.
And yet within the walls of the ten story structure from which I stared, people prowled in search of.....
What? I wondered. Certainly not sleep.
I've always known that a hotel is not a place to get a good night's sleep. I had hoped the bottle of champagne I had shared would allow me to block the ever present sounds of other travelers. Such was not the case.
When a door slammed for the fifth time, I threw back the crisp sheets, padded over to the window, and pulled back the drapery. The clock in front of a nearby bank showed the time to be 2:45. The roads were empty. Nothing moved outside the hotel.
And yet within the walls of the ten story structure from which I stared, people prowled in search of.....
What? I wondered. Certainly not sleep.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Look, Up in the Sky...
The flash of light high in the sky drew my attention from the road in front of me.
No bigger than the head of a needle, the light blinked in and out between layers of clouds. Trying to track the light while monitoring the direction of my car, it was several minutes before I was able to identify the radiant point above as the light on the front of an airliner.
It occurred to me that behind that pinpoint of light sat somewhere around 150 people.
While I certainly don't have mega millions of frequent flyer miles, I do fly often enough to feel at ease in an airplane. But tonight's ground view perspective of over a hundred folks packed into something smaller in size than a matchbox just might have me thinking differently the next time I feel jet engines roar to life.
No bigger than the head of a needle, the light blinked in and out between layers of clouds. Trying to track the light while monitoring the direction of my car, it was several minutes before I was able to identify the radiant point above as the light on the front of an airliner.
It occurred to me that behind that pinpoint of light sat somewhere around 150 people.
While I certainly don't have mega millions of frequent flyer miles, I do fly often enough to feel at ease in an airplane. But tonight's ground view perspective of over a hundred folks packed into something smaller in size than a matchbox just might have me thinking differently the next time I feel jet engines roar to life.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Bubble & Wave
Busy evening. I offer a short meditation:
To try to turn fate is to burst the bubble.
The successful person rides the wave.
To try to turn fate is to burst the bubble.
The successful person rides the wave.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Pink Nosed Passing
I mourned at the news of his (her) passing. I was never really sure of the gender.
To be sure the little rascal had enjoyed a life much better than he could ever have contemplated.
Offered a home and meals when I'm sure he felt destined to spend his life crouching in forgotten places and scrounging for food... his good fortune must have seemed miraculous.
He gave that same fortune back to College Dude and Language Lass in the way only a devoted pet can.
I'm sure he enjoyed motoring around the house in the safety of his traveling sphere as much as his caretakers enjoyed watching his adventures.
Perhaps it was his extended stay at our home over the holidays that weakened his constitution. A mouse can deal with only so many cat encounters.
To be sure the little rascal had enjoyed a life much better than he could ever have contemplated.
Offered a home and meals when I'm sure he felt destined to spend his life crouching in forgotten places and scrounging for food... his good fortune must have seemed miraculous.
He gave that same fortune back to College Dude and Language Lass in the way only a devoted pet can.
I'm sure he enjoyed motoring around the house in the safety of his traveling sphere as much as his caretakers enjoyed watching his adventures.
Perhaps it was his extended stay at our home over the holidays that weakened his constitution. A mouse can deal with only so many cat encounters.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Westward,,, err Never Mind
I woke to the sound of rainwater gurgling in the downspouts and for once didn't have the urge to pull the covers back over my head.
Well, okay, I had the urge, but at this time of year rain is cause for elation when the alternative is considered.
I was fortunate that my job obligations today kept me in the southern end of the state as more northern climes were not sharing in the 48 degree weather mother nature had gifted my area with.
While on the road and listening to the radio announcers run down the list of closings in the ice covered areas to the north I got to thinking about the early settlers who might have loaded supplies into their wagon trains in warm weather only to encounter snow covered mountains on their journey.
And it occurred to me that I'm surprised all the lowlands to the east of the Appalachians are not one continuous metropolis. Because had I been leading one of those wagon trains and seen frozen peaks ahead, I would have been shouting commands to turn around and be thankful for what we have.
Well, okay, I had the urge, but at this time of year rain is cause for elation when the alternative is considered.
I was fortunate that my job obligations today kept me in the southern end of the state as more northern climes were not sharing in the 48 degree weather mother nature had gifted my area with.
While on the road and listening to the radio announcers run down the list of closings in the ice covered areas to the north I got to thinking about the early settlers who might have loaded supplies into their wagon trains in warm weather only to encounter snow covered mountains on their journey.
And it occurred to me that I'm surprised all the lowlands to the east of the Appalachians are not one continuous metropolis. Because had I been leading one of those wagon trains and seen frozen peaks ahead, I would have been shouting commands to turn around and be thankful for what we have.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Flower Dance
I watched a child dancing on flower petals in the shopping mall today.
I'm not sure if the purpose of the projection on the floor was to entertain children, but it certainly captivated one little girl. The projector in the ceiling kept a kaleidoscope of sunflowers, roses, and daisies circling in a five foot radius.
It was within that radius that the child squealed with delight every time the white tipped toe of her otherwise blue sneaker landed precisely in the middle of a flower. Oblivious to the foot traffic around her, the girl used outstretched arms to retain her balance while pirouetting like a ballerina.
My attention turned from the girl to the dozens of adults who gradually crowded around. While I'm sure the grownups found happiness in the girl's dance, it was sad to think that an adult would almost certainly never initiate a similar joyous moment.
I'm not sure if the purpose of the projection on the floor was to entertain children, but it certainly captivated one little girl. The projector in the ceiling kept a kaleidoscope of sunflowers, roses, and daisies circling in a five foot radius.
It was within that radius that the child squealed with delight every time the white tipped toe of her otherwise blue sneaker landed precisely in the middle of a flower. Oblivious to the foot traffic around her, the girl used outstretched arms to retain her balance while pirouetting like a ballerina.
My attention turned from the girl to the dozens of adults who gradually crowded around. While I'm sure the grownups found happiness in the girl's dance, it was sad to think that an adult would almost certainly never initiate a similar joyous moment.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
January Deceits
It's that time of year when my home begins to feel like a fun house.
Walls seem to close in, ceilings seem to lower, and suddenly it seems my shoulders are brushing the sides of doorways that just weeks ago were more than sufficient in width. It's the claustrophobia that comes from day after day after day of sub-freezing weather keeping me indoors.
So when inviting sunlight spilled through the windows this morning, I decided it was time for an outdoor activity. A simple walk around the block would be a welcome diversion.
After a hot breakfast and hot shower I layered on clothing and squeezed through the front door. Had the door frame turned from a rectangle to a parallelogram? Was I really going to need to stoop to clear the threshold?
Once outside, the golden light proved false. There was no warmth to be found in the glow. My excursion lasted only long enough to make it to the bottom of the front steps and back.
Thankfully I had the option of the glow from coals in fireplace.
Walls seem to close in, ceilings seem to lower, and suddenly it seems my shoulders are brushing the sides of doorways that just weeks ago were more than sufficient in width. It's the claustrophobia that comes from day after day after day of sub-freezing weather keeping me indoors.
So when inviting sunlight spilled through the windows this morning, I decided it was time for an outdoor activity. A simple walk around the block would be a welcome diversion.
After a hot breakfast and hot shower I layered on clothing and squeezed through the front door. Had the door frame turned from a rectangle to a parallelogram? Was I really going to need to stoop to clear the threshold?
Once outside, the golden light proved false. There was no warmth to be found in the glow. My excursion lasted only long enough to make it to the bottom of the front steps and back.
Thankfully I had the option of the glow from coals in fireplace.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Tree Squared
I came across a fun fact today: In Panama there is a place called "The Valley of Square Trees". It's the only known place in the world where trees have rectangular trunks.
And I got to wondering.... why haven't companies in North America and Canada been working on replanting harvested timberland with these square trees. Think how much easier every part of harvesting and milling would be. There would be no danger of round logs rolling off trucks, mills wouldn't have to slice off all the "round bits" before cutting flat boards... It would be a boon to the whole industry.
And think how much easier it would be to build a log cabin.
So why..... Oh, I get it. Just like the auto industry supposed hushed the existence of a carburetor that supposedly allowed a car to get 65 mpg years ago, the lumber industry has hushed the availability of a "grow your own house"
And I got to wondering.... why haven't companies in North America and Canada been working on replanting harvested timberland with these square trees. Think how much easier every part of harvesting and milling would be. There would be no danger of round logs rolling off trucks, mills wouldn't have to slice off all the "round bits" before cutting flat boards... It would be a boon to the whole industry.
And think how much easier it would be to build a log cabin.
So why..... Oh, I get it. Just like the auto industry supposed hushed the existence of a carburetor that supposedly allowed a car to get 65 mpg years ago, the lumber industry has hushed the availability of a "grow your own house"
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Sunday Peace
I was reviewing a past post relating to the passing of one of our family's cats. The posting ended with a single word. Peace.
The word had to do with inner peace rather than the absence of war. It struck me that western civilization has pretty much made the concept of Peace archaic. We folks in the modern world race from one appointment to the next, one assignment to the next, one project to the next, one chore to the next. We are forever promising ourselves we'll take care of one last obligation and then.....
Relax? Nah, we move on to one more task - or - we actually sit down, but then worry about the other things we should be doing.
We are connected 24/7 by cell phones and computers. We work twice as hard for weeks in order to go on vacation, then work twice as hard for weeks when we return. And chances are we e-mailed, texted, or IM'd folks at the office while we were on vacation.
Vacation is quickly a memory and soon we're promising ourselves we'll finish one more thing and then...
Remember when Sunday's were a day of rest? Businesses were closed. For the most part people stayed near home. Everyone RELAXED.
The world needs Sunday's back.
Peace.
The word had to do with inner peace rather than the absence of war. It struck me that western civilization has pretty much made the concept of Peace archaic. We folks in the modern world race from one appointment to the next, one assignment to the next, one project to the next, one chore to the next. We are forever promising ourselves we'll take care of one last obligation and then.....
Relax? Nah, we move on to one more task - or - we actually sit down, but then worry about the other things we should be doing.
We are connected 24/7 by cell phones and computers. We work twice as hard for weeks in order to go on vacation, then work twice as hard for weeks when we return. And chances are we e-mailed, texted, or IM'd folks at the office while we were on vacation.
Vacation is quickly a memory and soon we're promising ourselves we'll finish one more thing and then...
Remember when Sunday's were a day of rest? Businesses were closed. For the most part people stayed near home. Everyone RELAXED.
The world needs Sunday's back.
Peace.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Shoveling Tune
A shoveling we will go. A shoveling we will go. Hi Ho A-Dreary-O, a shoveling we will go.
The shovel hits the snow. The shovel hits the snow. Hi Ho A-Dreary-O, a shoveling we will go.
My back is aching now. My back is aching now. Hi Ho A-Dreary-O, a shoveling we will go.
I curse the snow to h.... I curse the snow to h.... Hi Ho A-Dreary-O, a shoveling we will go.
Tequila numbs the pain. Tequila numbs the pain. Hi Ho A-Dreary-O, a shoveling we will go.
The shovel hits the snow. The shovel hits the snow. Hi Ho A-Dreary-O, a shoveling we will go.
My back is aching now. My back is aching now. Hi Ho A-Dreary-O, a shoveling we will go.
I curse the snow to h.... I curse the snow to h.... Hi Ho A-Dreary-O, a shoveling we will go.
Tequila numbs the pain. Tequila numbs the pain. Hi Ho A-Dreary-O, a shoveling we will go.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Colors and the Spoken Word
The multiple hues of yellows, oranges, and reds on the western horizon triggered an upward turn of the corners of my mouth. The smile brought with it a relief of stress that had built up during the answering of eighty-seven e-mails and the reading of too many seventy page documents.
So entranced did I become with the blazing sunset that I very nearly forgot the need to pay attention to the cars racing down the other lanes of the other roadway.
I have recently been considering opening an account with audiblebooks.com, and listening to books to alleviate the monotony of the commute. But after nearly driving off into the sunset, I'm thinking that perhaps I shouldn't risk losing myself in chapters of a book with cruise control set to sixty-five.
So entranced did I become with the blazing sunset that I very nearly forgot the need to pay attention to the cars racing down the other lanes of the other roadway.
I have recently been considering opening an account with audiblebooks.com, and listening to books to alleviate the monotony of the commute. But after nearly driving off into the sunset, I'm thinking that perhaps I shouldn't risk losing myself in chapters of a book with cruise control set to sixty-five.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Director Conversation
rrrrinng
Hello, Ministry of Weather, how can I help you?
Put me through to the Director Of Precipitation Efficiency.
Director Of Precipitation Efficiency speaking.
DOPE, this is the Secretary of Decrees and Orders. What is going on there? Your department is out of control. Three occurrences of measurable snowfall in ten days with another event scheduled! This is quite outside of your authority. The Office of Complaints is completely overwhelmed. Explain!
Well, sir, after some consideration I thought...
There! That is the problem. You thought! Decrees and orders are issued to keep people like you from thinking. I warn you, DOPE, get your department under control or I'll contact the Groundhog Guild. I'll have the groundhogs see to it that snowfall opportunities are severely curtailed.
CLICK.
Hello, Ministry of Weather, how can I help you?
Put me through to the Director Of Precipitation Efficiency.
Director Of Precipitation Efficiency speaking.
DOPE, this is the Secretary of Decrees and Orders. What is going on there? Your department is out of control. Three occurrences of measurable snowfall in ten days with another event scheduled! This is quite outside of your authority. The Office of Complaints is completely overwhelmed. Explain!
Well, sir, after some consideration I thought...
There! That is the problem. You thought! Decrees and orders are issued to keep people like you from thinking. I warn you, DOPE, get your department under control or I'll contact the Groundhog Guild. I'll have the groundhogs see to it that snowfall opportunities are severely curtailed.
CLICK.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Unequivalent Clothes
Why is it..
That clothes for men are sized by either waist and inseam or neck and sleeve, but clothes for women are sized by numbers ranging from 2 through... well I'm really not sure how high the numbers go.
And just how were those numbers for women's clothes determined? Does it take 2 yards of fabric to make a size 2 shirt? Hmmm... that would mean a size 12 shirt would take - no that can't be it.
It makes infinitely more sense to size clothes by an actual measurement. Men don't need to take a slide rule to the store. A man with a 32 inch waist needs - surprise! a pair of pants with a 32 inch waist. 32 inches of waistline doesn't need to be converted to size 8.
It's not like the special numbering system for women disguises anything. We all know a woman who wears a size 2 is skinny and a woman who wears a size 18 is.... bigger than a woman who wears a size 2.
That clothes for men are sized by either waist and inseam or neck and sleeve, but clothes for women are sized by numbers ranging from 2 through... well I'm really not sure how high the numbers go.
And just how were those numbers for women's clothes determined? Does it take 2 yards of fabric to make a size 2 shirt? Hmmm... that would mean a size 12 shirt would take - no that can't be it.
It makes infinitely more sense to size clothes by an actual measurement. Men don't need to take a slide rule to the store. A man with a 32 inch waist needs - surprise! a pair of pants with a 32 inch waist. 32 inches of waistline doesn't need to be converted to size 8.
It's not like the special numbering system for women disguises anything. We all know a woman who wears a size 2 is skinny and a woman who wears a size 18 is.... bigger than a woman who wears a size 2.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Presidential Scan
Can you believe that our President's citizenship status is in question again - or still? With the recent changing of the guard in the House of Representatives, reporters want to know if the new arrivals believe the Pres is entitled to sit in the White House.
I have a solution to the endless questions. Make the President travel on a standard airline - run him through a body scanner, collect some tissue samples, take a DNA swab - and see what shakes out.
I have a solution to the endless questions. Make the President travel on a standard airline - run him through a body scanner, collect some tissue samples, take a DNA swab - and see what shakes out.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Toasting Buns
The thing I love about houses and buildings heated by hot water is that even on the coldest days you can toast your buns on the radiators.
Just now I have the happy problem of a broken thermostat on the radiator in my office. A happy problem because the thermostat is stuck on the highest setting, so my office is somewhere around eight-five degrees.
And while eighty-five can feel a little warm when dressed in a shirt and tie, I'll gladly take it over what Mother Nature is currently serving up.
I can't help but wonder why civilization ever moved away from radiator heat. It has none of the hot and cold cycles associated with forced hot air and, as already mentioned, you can cook a meal - or yourself - at any time of day.
If we could just figure out a way to heat the lakes, rivers, and reservoirs, we could pump the heated water through our houses, route the water back out to the land, and be "greener" all around.
Just now I have the happy problem of a broken thermostat on the radiator in my office. A happy problem because the thermostat is stuck on the highest setting, so my office is somewhere around eight-five degrees.
And while eighty-five can feel a little warm when dressed in a shirt and tie, I'll gladly take it over what Mother Nature is currently serving up.
I can't help but wonder why civilization ever moved away from radiator heat. It has none of the hot and cold cycles associated with forced hot air and, as already mentioned, you can cook a meal - or yourself - at any time of day.
If we could just figure out a way to heat the lakes, rivers, and reservoirs, we could pump the heated water through our houses, route the water back out to the land, and be "greener" all around.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Morning Glow
I might have been racing from an enormous furnace or fleeing from the path of an erupting volcano.
The layers of yellows, reds, and oranges that filled the rearview mirrors of my car this morning had me thinking of burning coals and smoldering lava.
Perhaps it's just my desire to have the recent cold weather a distant memory, but I swore I could feel heat radiating from the glowing morning sky.
Alas I find myself remembering the sailing lure: red sky at night, sailor's delight / red sky in morning, sailor's take warning - and wonder what cruel tricks Mother Nature has planned.
The layers of yellows, reds, and oranges that filled the rearview mirrors of my car this morning had me thinking of burning coals and smoldering lava.
Perhaps it's just my desire to have the recent cold weather a distant memory, but I swore I could feel heat radiating from the glowing morning sky.
Alas I find myself remembering the sailing lure: red sky at night, sailor's delight / red sky in morning, sailor's take warning - and wonder what cruel tricks Mother Nature has planned.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Holiday Weather
It was an epic blizzard, the kind of storm the details of which will be based down to my grandchildren and great grandchildren. Those young folk will shiver to thought of pulling abandoned vehicles from twelve foot drifts while howling winds whipped snow flakes and ice crystals into impenetrable walls of white that obliterated any hope of finding safety.
Well, okay, the drifts were three feet deep, my nephew's car was stuck only thirty feet from my house and I could see the lights on the front of my house through the blowing snow - but we all COULD have been hopelessly lost forever.
I hope never again to experience holiday weather the likes of that which recently passed.
Well, okay, the drifts were three feet deep, my nephew's car was stuck only thirty feet from my house and I could see the lights on the front of my house through the blowing snow - but we all COULD have been hopelessly lost forever.
I hope never again to experience holiday weather the likes of that which recently passed.
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