It took me most of yesterday to write the following...power blips, restarting clocks and computers, a very scary trip into town were all contributing factors and delays.
I have learned from experience (over twenty years of living in this area) when I can and shouldn't drive. I most certainly could have made it down the hill yesterday (from the main road)...I would not have made it back up! Actually, I'm not sure my car would have made it to the main road. I felt awful for not making my painting class. That is until G. called to let me know that the class was let out very early with the promise to have a "make-up" class later due to the weather. This is my sacrifice to live where I live.
I live where others dream to be or pay to spend vacations. Mt. Hood National Forest is just off the back end of my property and Eagle Creek Fish Hatchery is just across the creek and up a bend or two. It's probably lovely down there right now, but I will have to miss it. I'm smart enough and wise enough to know it's too dangerous to venture down the trail to the creek for a peak.
We managed to make our way into town today in the truck. The hubby was driving! I realize I have his experience in Vietnam as a helicopter pilot to rely on as the snow falls off the sixty plus foot Doug Firs that line the road and lands on the windshield...the man didn't flinch! I thought I would scream aloud and he didn't flinch! I sometimes have to remind myself to breath in those situations. It's silly, I know...it's hard to relinquish control and remain calm. I have to remind myself that I really don't have any control over what is going to occur anyway. I just don't want to be maimed. I don't mind going if it's my time. I'm ready to meet my glory. I think I can handle that.
We lost another dear friend last night. My youngest called in tears that he was taken to the hospital and wasn't expected to make it. My poor daughter. She's been away from home for two plus nights due to the snow. Her car would not make it safely up these hills so she stayed in town with friends . At least she put a jacket and sleeping bags in the car (FINALLY) . She got a lovely fully loaded roadside emergency kit from my hubby and I for Christmas this year (it was more for me/less worry). Anyway, she's hurting and could use a "mama" hug and my arms don't reach that far...so I guess it's fair to say that we're both hurting. Your children grow up and move out or away but their pain is still yours for the rest of your life.
Hubby and I managed to get three wheelbarrows of firewood up on the porch...it was an effort, but the weather can do what it will and we'll be warm and have an alternate source to cook on if the power fails again. I don't mind power failures because we heat exclusively with wood and are always warm. The one thing that loses it's charm fast is the inability to flush - eventually the water runs out (we have a well and usually have back up water for cooking).
I start preparing for power failures right after Labor Day. I stock up on lamp oil, candles, batteries, canned or dried sources of protein. We usually experience them at least a dozen times a year. Some longer than others. It's harder in milder weather because we usually lose what we have in our freezer. It's sad when you raise your own food and lose it long after it's been processed and saved for later in the year. I find it one of the saddest things. I have actually wept while disposing of a full freezer of meats and veggies I have raised and lost!
It's still above freezing and almost dark...promising...relieving...I have Story Time tomorrow. I ran into several of my little people on our trip through town! One invited me to join him for lunch! Sadly enough, I had to decline as we were on a "mission" and needed to continue on our way. I so enjoy the leisurely visits with the little ones! This is one of the joys of being a grandmother and the "Story Lady". My Life is good today! That one thought always brings me joy!
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
I'm a Big Fat Chicken!
Okay...I'm a big fat chicken! I don't like trying to drive on ice in the snow! Go ahead, laugh, send me your tips, shake your heads, nod; just don't make me drive in this mess. We have had over a foot of snow. The plows made it up this far (we're not on a main arterial and the school district was closed) early yesterday making their first swipe, leaving about five inches of packed snow which promptly turned to ice. My husband stayed home from work and drove me into work...make sense of that one! The ride home last night was rather scary! Last night brought more artic temperatures followed by a brief thaw very early this morning. As day light hit and I prepared to go to work it started raining and the east winds began to howl. By the time I got out to my car and got it scraped off and semi-warmed an inch of new snow had fallen. I made it partially down the drive and dirt road with little to no control. I got scared and turned around, hauled everything back inside and telephoned a coworker to inform her because I was unable to reach the "boss". It then snowed to near white out conditions dumping about an inch of snow in an hour!
It appears we are having another "thaw". I know this because I'm listening to the snow slide off the metal roof and land with a thud on the carport and around the house itself, including our Daphne which is under about three feet or more of roof-snow that has landed on top of it. I have no idea what the main road is like to the highway. I have a painting class tonight. I'll just have to hang out and make the most of being alone until later (BIG SMILE!)...then I'll check out road conditions and decide if I want to travel down the 6%+ down grade of winding roads to the highway that leads to town (about 4-6 miles).
What annoys me, while scaring me nearly senseless, is when people jump in their trucks and decide to play on the roads. The roads you are trying to maneuver through in ice and snow. The roads that are slick as snot and nearly knee deep in snow. Sixty foot Doug Firs dropping their loaded branches of snow on your windshield as you're trying to remain in your own lane, which is not visible because of said snow and ice. Scary business!
Did I fall off the face of the earth at some point? Is it okay to go spin doughnuts and take out electric poles when others are merely trying to get from point A to B safely? Isn't the rule to slow down, avoid using your brakes, and allow more room to other drivers? When did it become okay to play these dangerous games with individuals, such as myself, who might not want to participate?
Well, so much for the thaw...it's snowing again...sideways this time! At least it's pretty to look at!
OMG! I've Been Tagged
I've been "tagged" by Michelle at My Semblance of Sanity (still not sure how to put the "links" in my blog-someone help!) http://michellekemperbrownlowwrites4kids.blogspot.com/
I'm hoping the power stays on long enough to get this done!
It's THE 5 RANDOMS!!
THE MISSION:
Share five random/weird things about myself.
Share five places that I "want to see or want to see again."
Tag five random people and link to them...and let them know they've been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.
Okay, here it goes!
1. I love Brandy Wine tomatoes.
2. I collect children (see my previous post to understand).
3. I've danced on stage with Eric Burdon and the Animals (perhaps I'll post the picture IF I CAN FIND IT).
4. I'm going to paint the Alamo this July!
5. I spend my Fourth of July with a bunch of crazy Vietnam Helicopter Pilots every year. http://vhpa.org/
Five Places I Want to See or See again.
1. I want to wander the deserts of New Mexico and see what Georgia O'Keefe saw...and then paint my own rendition.
2. Amsterdam!! Been there three times, love the place!
3. Africa...never been, would love to see the Serengeti.
4. Mt. Rushmore.
5. Heaven! (I've got a long list of questions I'd like answered when I get there).
Here are my five tags...the reason for my tags...pure enjoyment of reading their blogs.
1. http://suburbancorrespondent.blogspot.com/
2. http://fullyalive-readytosmile.com/
3. http://ourfairytalelife.blogspot.com/
4. http://hilltophomeschool.blogspot.com/2008/01/crazy-mom.html
5. http://moobeefarm.blogspot.com/
I'm hoping the power stays on long enough to get this done!
It's THE 5 RANDOMS!!
THE MISSION:
Share five random/weird things about myself.
Share five places that I "want to see or want to see again."
Tag five random people and link to them...and let them know they've been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.
Okay, here it goes!
1. I love Brandy Wine tomatoes.
2. I collect children (see my previous post to understand).
3. I've danced on stage with Eric Burdon and the Animals (perhaps I'll post the picture IF I CAN FIND IT).
4. I'm going to paint the Alamo this July!
5. I spend my Fourth of July with a bunch of crazy Vietnam Helicopter Pilots every year. http://vhpa.org/
Five Places I Want to See or See again.
1. I want to wander the deserts of New Mexico and see what Georgia O'Keefe saw...and then paint my own rendition.
2. Amsterdam!! Been there three times, love the place!
3. Africa...never been, would love to see the Serengeti.
4. Mt. Rushmore.
5. Heaven! (I've got a long list of questions I'd like answered when I get there).
Here are my five tags...the reason for my tags...pure enjoyment of reading their blogs.
1. http://suburbancorrespondent.blogspot.com/
2. http://fullyalive-readytosmile.com/
3. http://ourfairytalelife.blogspot.com/
4. http://hilltophomeschool.blogspot.com/2008/01/crazy-mom.html
5. http://moobeefarm.blogspot.com/
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Meltdown Time
I wrote a letter to a friend this weekend. He is one of my husband's oldest and dearest friends. He's dying of prostate cancer. (Encourage every male you know to be vigilant about being checked!) I wrote him the following letter because I have a gut feeling I might never see him again and never thanked him for being my friend.
Dear ______;
I haven’t known you very long but feel I can still refer to you as “my good friend___”. Life has handed you some crap recently and you are handling it amazingly! (At least from what I hear). Your reality is what it what is my friend…this you know. So many of us never say all the things we think and feel about a person until they are no longer around to hear the words. We hurry through life doing what we think or feel is important at the time…always thinking “I’ve got to remember to do this or that”…putting things on the back burner so to speak…time goes on and we forget, or never get around to conveying our feelings. You’ve never been like that…and I appreciate that about you. This is why I am writing you this letter to be sure I tell YOU how wonderful you are. You have been a joy to know and I feel privileged to be a part of your circle of friends. I know this sounds cliché, but if there is anything I can do for you or your family, please let me know.
Thank you for bringing joy and laughter to my life.
Thank you for the Deschutes experience.
Thank you for my first Dylan concert.
Thank you for all your sincere thank you cards.
Thank you for being my friend.
PEACE!
The thing is, while I was writing this I got an update from Care Pages...MiMi was informing Julian's subjects that he had gone.
My life is full of death and sadness at this time.
I didn't sleep well last night. Again! I woke up about two this morning and was unable to go back to sleep. I finally got up about four. I had a staff meeting and Story Time today.
As I drove through town on my way to work, I stopped to mail the letter. As I pulled out of the post office I had a meltdown, or started to. By the time I reached the library I was shaking and cold. My head was pounding. I decided to attend the meeting, set up my story teller and go home. Then I saw my good friend B. and that's all it took...I had a meltdown...we had a good hug and I burst into tears...the boss arrived and sent me home(not before she joined the hug). Thank you library family!
So here I sit thinking of Miss P., who recently lost her husband; D. and L. who recently suffered the loss of their unborn child; King JuJu and the family he left behind; my friend and his family, and I cry. I cry for them. I cry for myself. I really need to go to sleep for a while...I know sleep will refresh my oh so tired body...then I can work on feeding and nurturing my soul.
Dear ______;
I haven’t known you very long but feel I can still refer to you as “my good friend___”. Life has handed you some crap recently and you are handling it amazingly! (At least from what I hear). Your reality is what it what is my friend…this you know. So many of us never say all the things we think and feel about a person until they are no longer around to hear the words. We hurry through life doing what we think or feel is important at the time…always thinking “I’ve got to remember to do this or that”…putting things on the back burner so to speak…time goes on and we forget, or never get around to conveying our feelings. You’ve never been like that…and I appreciate that about you. This is why I am writing you this letter to be sure I tell YOU how wonderful you are. You have been a joy to know and I feel privileged to be a part of your circle of friends. I know this sounds cliché, but if there is anything I can do for you or your family, please let me know.
Thank you for bringing joy and laughter to my life.
Thank you for the Deschutes experience.
Thank you for my first Dylan concert.
Thank you for all your sincere thank you cards.
Thank you for being my friend.
PEACE!
The thing is, while I was writing this I got an update from Care Pages...MiMi was informing Julian's subjects that he had gone.
My life is full of death and sadness at this time.
I didn't sleep well last night. Again! I woke up about two this morning and was unable to go back to sleep. I finally got up about four. I had a staff meeting and Story Time today.
As I drove through town on my way to work, I stopped to mail the letter. As I pulled out of the post office I had a meltdown, or started to. By the time I reached the library I was shaking and cold. My head was pounding. I decided to attend the meeting, set up my story teller and go home. Then I saw my good friend B. and that's all it took...I had a meltdown...we had a good hug and I burst into tears...the boss arrived and sent me home(not before she joined the hug). Thank you library family!
So here I sit thinking of Miss P., who recently lost her husband; D. and L. who recently suffered the loss of their unborn child; King JuJu and the family he left behind; my friend and his family, and I cry. I cry for them. I cry for myself. I really need to go to sleep for a while...I know sleep will refresh my oh so tired body...then I can work on feeding and nurturing my soul.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Pray for the Avery's
...think warm thoughts, whatever it is that you do.
This lovely family that I have never met has lost a member...their lives are shattered at this time. This is a copy of a posting from his mother taken from his Care Page and displayed on Michelle's blog http://michellekemperbrownlowwrites4kids.blogspot.com/.
Dear friends,
Our Mimi needs us now MORE than she ever has. She is hurting so badly and she needs our prayers!
She writes:"Empty shell are the words that came to my mind today as I laid my eyes on Julian's so very still body. It made it so real, so final... I felt like I was at the wax museum, it looked like Ju but it was just a cold, hard ,wax copy of Julian . It wasn't him , how could it ? Surely I left him at home playing with the boys... Seeing him laying in his caskett was unbelievably painful, my heart cracked a little more, a little deeper. I won't EVER get to hold my child again, EVER... Nothing is more final than that."
Julian's viewing is Wednesday night from 6-8pm at their church and his funeral is Thursday at 11am where yellow balloons will be released. (yellow was Juju's favorite color)
You can read his obituary and sign his guest book here.
You can join the near-thousand people and light a candle for him here.
I am hoping that everyone reading this will post a picture of Mimi and/or Julian on their blog and ask your readers to pray for the strength she will need not just in the coming days but in her lifetime without her baby Ju. PLEASE.
This lovely family that I have never met has lost a member...their lives are shattered at this time. This is a copy of a posting from his mother taken from his Care Page and displayed on Michelle's blog http://michellekemperbrownlowwrites4kids.blogspot.com/.
Dear friends,
Our Mimi needs us now MORE than she ever has. She is hurting so badly and she needs our prayers!
She writes:"Empty shell are the words that came to my mind today as I laid my eyes on Julian's so very still body. It made it so real, so final... I felt like I was at the wax museum, it looked like Ju but it was just a cold, hard ,wax copy of Julian . It wasn't him , how could it ? Surely I left him at home playing with the boys... Seeing him laying in his caskett was unbelievably painful, my heart cracked a little more, a little deeper. I won't EVER get to hold my child again, EVER... Nothing is more final than that."
Julian's viewing is Wednesday night from 6-8pm at their church and his funeral is Thursday at 11am where yellow balloons will be released. (yellow was Juju's favorite color)
You can read his obituary and sign his guest book here.
You can join the near-thousand people and light a candle for him here.
I am hoping that everyone reading this will post a picture of Mimi and/or Julian on their blog and ask your readers to pray for the strength she will need not just in the coming days but in her lifetime without her baby Ju. PLEASE.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
