Snowy Whopping Weasel Wednesday!

We didn't have a white Christmas this year, but we did have a white December 27th. This is the view off the deck at about 11:30 yesterday morning.

 Sam and I should have been in Indianapolis for his doctor's appointment at that moment, but the road was so slick a few miles east of here, we turned around and came home. We probably would have made it if we'd kept going, but we'd have been so late they would have made us reschedule anyway. So I got to do something I don't often do: stay home and watch it snow.

It hasn't always been that way. I've made the 30 mile drive back and forth to work in conditions I had no business driving in. I've made it home even when the police were telling everyone to stay off the roads. The closest thing I've had to an accident was sliding off the road down a very steep embankment. My trusty little Honda slid gracefully down the hill and landed quite gently at the bottom. Neither I, nor the car got so much as a scratch. I didn't even have to call a tow truck because someone else had already called one for another accident nearby. Basically, I've been lucky.

I mention all of this because today is my 56th birthday. If I'd kept going to Indy yesterday, I might not have lived to see it. Strange how getting older makes you less reckless with your life and the lives of those dear to you. I didn't raise Sam all these 22 years only to kill him on a trip that wasn't absolutely essential. I've learned to put things in a better perspective; tasks that seemed so critical just a few years ago aren't nearly as important as staying safe and warm at home.

So I'm sitting here at my computer appreciating the beauty of a late December snowfall, rather than attempting to drive through it. The fire is warm, the tea is hot, and the dogs are sleeping in the living room by the wood stove. They understand the importance of being cozy and dry, even if people sometimes don't.

Speaking of things that are hot and cozy, here's a little something for your Wednesday enjoyment.

*smiles wickedly* Happy Birthday to ME!