RoadTrip Journal 10.18.05

First, let me explain that these photos of my first snow were taken only 48 hours after the fall photos I previously posted. It’s a characteristic of Colorado, these drastic weather changes. What outsiders don’t know, and I’m really not meant to tell, is that such storms, (this one left 18” of snow), are very short lived. Generally speaking, the grass pokes through in a matter of days, and in this case, we’ve been enjoying temperatures into the 80s again.

I have to admit that I was giddy and absolutely ridiculous with excitement to wake to this magnificent blanket of white stuff. I ran around with my dog who was quite unsure about how to handle this new substance. Of course the camera came out immediately and I ended up going into work quite a bit later than usual, and with very wet feet as I didn’t pack as thoroughly as I might have. And, can someone please tell me how you’re meant to navigate through snow covered streets with limited visibility and stoplights that are nearly completely obstructed? I mean, all I could think was, "You're kidding me, right?!" Did you know changing lanes on snow-covered highways is like jumping the wake while waterskiing? At least I have the California plates to warn everyone away. I admit, I was a bit of a disaster, and I relished every moment of it!

Now, I have to clarify, that this isn't truly my first snow. I had another one in the year I lived in Indiana as a new bride. This experience, the excitement and freshness of it, made me think of God's promise to restore and renew. I feel restored and renewed, able to replace tarnished memories with new ones. I am truly blessed.

I’ll be seeing a lot more of the stuff as the next leg of my journey is beckoning. I’m heading to Strasburg, Pennsylvania by way of friends and family in Kansas, Missouri and Ohio. I’ll celebrate Thanksgiving in Cincinnati with relatives before I head on to work for a friend’s dad, helping him assimilate a recently acquired company into his existing one. I’m very excited about the opportunity to explore the east coast, which I’m completely ignorant of, and to assist in simplifying the processes and systems in his company. It’s the sort of challenge I welcome and will bring such rewards to know I’m helping people find more hours in their days.

I’m excited to have a season of dormancy as I’ll be living in the heart of Amish country with very little to distract or disturb me. I have a stack of books, this blog, and a wood stove waiting for me. That’s all I’ve got to report for now, dear friends.