The Gentle Journey

Storm's coming....

It’s been cold. Freezing cold.

 We have freezing cold water crystals on top of a layer of  previously liquid water. That’s snow on  ice for the non-scientist like me

Everyone's trying to stay warm

I hired my handyman to move stuff  from the deck to the garage,  from the garage to the barn.  Spring means a reevaluation on what stuff needs to stay and what needs to be tossed but that’s a task for later, lots of delayed decisions around here.  But the big truck should definitely go into the garage. Which proved to be similar to squeezing the baby back up the birth canal, technically possible but not recommended. That’s why I hire help- to do the things I can’t do myself and in this case, probably shouldn’t be doing anyway.

Two days  after squeezing a dually truck into a crowded garage, it snowed ten inches on ice and I was expected in town.  Removing the tight fitting truck proved to be almost as much fun as shoving it in- “When you back this out, remember to pull in those mirrors.” Good advice.  Of course, I forgot and almost took down the storage unit when the passenger side mirror reached out and grabbed a shelf.  I have a decent size garage but it's a really big truck. And, yes, there is space for a second car. It would all be so much easier with one great big door instead of two or so I tell myself

I drove the Beast for three days. Lord, I love that truck.  Love the heated seats.  Love the radio that puts my fancy car to shame. And, as I told the people expecting me in town,  “I could probably drive cross country the ten miles to town if the roads are too slick.” A slight exaggeration but snow is no problem for Clyde, the wonder truck.

Old picture but this is what Clyde loves to plow through! We don't have quite this much snow yet

By Thursday, I needed to get my recycling to town because heaven knows there is no room for anything like that in the garage.  So now I have both cars out the garage. And the recycling is in fancy car, which is a bit squirrely on the frozen water. Plus it needs new tires that I'll order in town.

But I know the secrets to driving on ice.

Two hands on the wheel.  Eyes on the road.

Watch for the other drivers and give them plenty of room.

Proceed in a way that never requires you to hit your brakes.

Brake gently before the turns and accelerate carefully coming out.

Don’t jerk the wheel- soft hands.

Everything gentle and careful.

I know all this. I’ve driven on ice for years.  But I’m so thirsty and dry- the cold has sucked the juice right out of me and my lips are parched.  I remove one glove and rummage through the console.  Cold eyeglass case, dental floss, a really cold flashlight.

Eyes on the road.

Maybe the Chapstick's in the purse. Stretch across the passenger seat, rummage in the purse.  Pen, spare key, checkbook, a pair of glasses for that case in the console. Maybe another section. Can I unzip it with one hand?

Eyes on the road.

I have a flash, an epiphany, I see the byline.

“Local women found in her car off Highway 16. The vehicle rolled the embankment.

Black ice blamed.

Her right hand was still in her purse, clutching  Chapstick .”

You know the still small voice we talk about? Sometimes it’s just common sense.

Eyes on the road.

Two hands on the wheel.

Pay attention to the task at hand. 

 **************

  

 How do we stay on any path?

How can we live well on this big blue ball of water?

Pay attention. Focus on Life.

Listen to the small Voice.

Slow down. Be gentle. Hold life with soft hands.

Avoid creating situations where you have to slam on your brakes.

Watch out for other travelers, not as a threat but as other fragile humans to serve.

Keep your eyes on the Road.

How’s your driving?

Keep safe this winter on the roads.....and be gentle with your life.