Winter Weather Advisory

From the floor of the Grand Canyon, to hiking up to the summit of Pike's Peak on Barr Trail (through two plus feet of snow at times in February mind you!), these old leather hiking boots have been with me for more than a handful of years now. And Like a close friend, they just get better with age.

So it seemed only appropriate to dig them out, & slip them on, when a most peculiar snow/thunderstorm surprised us yesterday morning early. After all, it was the first official snow in our new home, not to mention I've been looking for an excuse to wear them.

And while it wasn't an enormous amount of accumulation, our children were quite excited, as they have not seen, nor remember snow like this in many years, if ever.

When I wore a younger man's clothes, I was assured I would grow to detest days like yesterday, as they are dangerous, messy, & apparently a real nuisance once you become a responsible, hard working, cynical, battle hardened, member of the rat race.

Well, I'm staring 40 in the face, & my love of dreary, frigid mornings, blanketed in arctic white, still posses that magic ability to put a smile on my face, & a welcome burst of energy for the day ahead.

Admittedly, the morning commute was much longer than usual, & difficult at times to navigate. But over the years I've come to the conclusion I'm simply far more in my element on days like yesterday, than the 90 plus degree scorchers with high humidity & annoying insects galore.

I regret to inform you, however, the day took a turn for the worse later that afternoon, when I lifted my three year old into his car seat. It was at that moment I felt my back muscles all but say "Ut-uh".

And that was that.

Had to pull over several times on the way to & from picking up the children from school, due to immense spasms, which at times, brought forth tears I'm embarrassed to admit. I'm a skosh better now (& thanks for asking! ;-) as I got home & put some medicine & hot coffee in me, & dozed for a few hours on a heating pad.

What can I say? Getting old isn't for wimps. But it's not like we have any say in the matter.

All4now.