The intrepid explorers set forth...
It's been snowing on and off all week in Portland. There's several inches of snow on the ground outside right now, and I keep looking out at it, seeing how different our familiar backyard looks, noticing the differences between the freshly-fallen snow, the day-old snow covered with pine needles, and today another layer of fresh snow. For places of the world where there are actually seasons, this is normal. For me, it's all strange and new.
Going out shopping earlier this week was an adventure. Walking on icy sidewalks, riding on buses with chains on their tires, pausing to examine animal tracks in the snow, putting on five extra layers before stepping outside--suddenly, normal activities take far more effort than usual, require more thought and planning. In exchange, we get to see a world that's just slightly different from the one we're used to, with snow altering the landscape.
Of course, it all gets a little scarier when you're trying to travel a bit further. I'd be delighted with this weather if I could just stay safely in the house, working on projects and baking cookies. Instead, Eppie and I will be braving the winter weather in an attempt to reach home. This really does feel like an adventure, one in which we can't be sure what the roads will be like, how long it will take us, or what hazards we'll be facing. With so much unpredictability, it's difficult to plan ahead; the only thing we can do is be as prepared as we can and play it by ear. And so to adventure.
I'm in the stage of packing right now where I've got most things in my suitcase, but I'm quite certain I've forgotten something essential. Or more likely several things. Hopefully either this is just paranoia, or I'll remember before the frenzy of last-minute packing of toothbrush, computer, etc. I'm also procrastinating on finishing the packing, which is probably pretty obvious.
Going out shopping earlier this week was an adventure. Walking on icy sidewalks, riding on buses with chains on their tires, pausing to examine animal tracks in the snow, putting on five extra layers before stepping outside--suddenly, normal activities take far more effort than usual, require more thought and planning. In exchange, we get to see a world that's just slightly different from the one we're used to, with snow altering the landscape.
Of course, it all gets a little scarier when you're trying to travel a bit further. I'd be delighted with this weather if I could just stay safely in the house, working on projects and baking cookies. Instead, Eppie and I will be braving the winter weather in an attempt to reach home. This really does feel like an adventure, one in which we can't be sure what the roads will be like, how long it will take us, or what hazards we'll be facing. With so much unpredictability, it's difficult to plan ahead; the only thing we can do is be as prepared as we can and play it by ear. And so to adventure.
I'm in the stage of packing right now where I've got most things in my suitcase, but I'm quite certain I've forgotten something essential. Or more likely several things. Hopefully either this is just paranoia, or I'll remember before the frenzy of last-minute packing of toothbrush, computer, etc. I'm also procrastinating on finishing the packing, which is probably pretty obvious.