What it looked like through the car window this morning in Houghton
OK, I admit to being a scaredy-cat sometimes.
Don’t you?
You know what scares me?
Winter roads. Icy roads. Freezing rain. Slushy driving. White-outs.
They all scare me so that I shake inside. My mind stills and knuckles grip the steering wheel. It feels like life and death sometimes. Can you make it to your destination?
Only the Universe knows.
Hark! It's a coffee shop!
I thought I was going to be a Major League Scaredy-Cat this morning.
Conditions are ripe for scaredy-cat behavior.
It’s snowing buckets.
(In between freezing rain.)
And I am supposed to–supposed to, mind you–fly out of the Upper Peninsula today aimed toward Florida and the loving hugs of my parents.
Who will win? Snow or plane?
Only the Universe knows.
Doesn't it look owly? A little scary?
My plane doesn’t disembark until afternoon. Anything could happen by then. Here is the radar loop. What would you guess? Pessimists need not reply, please.
There are only two flights winging upward from Houghton each day. If you get sacked from today’s flight, you’re usually scheduled for one of tomorrow’s flights. Unless they’re booked. In which case, you can drive four hours south to Green Bay through the raging snowstorm or you can continue to wait.
You can get really, really scared that your exciting plans to visit with your parents in Fort Myers Beach until Thursday departure for the “Destination Wedding” happens. We won’t even ponder missing the wedding, oh no.
Or you could put it in perspective. C’mon, Kathy, think wider. Is this the end of the world, scaredy-cat? People get cancer, starve, die, suffer daily. You are among the elite of the world to even entertain the possibility of flight to a tropical location. If the Universe decides to keep you in the Upper Peninsula, then the Universe knows best.
(“No, Universe, please no!”)
Oh let's just sit in the coffee shop and write a blog for a few hours, shall we?
I wasn’t really a Major League Scaredy-Cat this morning on the drive north. It was quite surprising. I didn’t clench the steering wheel TOO hard–only a tiny bit of white-knucklin’ behavior. I actually felt–almost–no, not quite, but almost–calm. (I don’t feel so calm looking out the window now. Although have not reach Scaredy-Cat proportions yet.)
I sit with hazelnut latte (skim milk) surrounded by technology of all sorts. Rebel camera, TracPhone, laptop computer, at least three cords, mouse, oh heck, lots of other supplies. Backpack. Wallet–gosh, what’s my wallet doing sitting out on the counter? Put it away in your backpack, Kathy.
A 37.5 pound suitcase waits in the car. Another sack filled with travelin’ clothes like sneakers and a short sleeve shirt and sweater sits eagerly, defying that plane to miss us.
Let’s think of more cheerful days. You know how some of you wanted to see a photo of Catherine after yesterday’s post? You will be pleased to discover I found one. Who knows how old? On my 50th birthday, our son Christopher made me a CD filled with hundreds of photos. This picture was in the “50th birthday” file. So we were a bit younger then.
And I can guarantee we were not scaredy-cats that day!
Sunnier days (Catherine and Kathy--maybe 5-10 years ago?)
P.S. It’s now Tuesday morning–just wanted you all to know I am safely in Florida and officially not a “Scaredy-Cat” any more!!!
Lake Superior Spirit 
Sending you calm and peaceful thoughts so the scaredy cat in you relaxes 🙂 Drive carefully and enjoy your trip…pretty soon you’ll be in the sky on your way to your Mom and Dad and warm weather! Don’t forget to wiggle your toes in the sand for me 🙂
I love the happy picture of you and Catherine! Beautiful women of the north ♥
I will hold on to those calm peaceful thoughts like a hug. I only have to drive a short more to the airport, although will be going recycling and out to lunch later. It looks ferocious outside now! But no, I will not get scared. Will wiggle those toes–if and when they feel the white sand–just for you.
Oh Kathy, I remember those snowy-road-driving days very well. They always brought out my scaredy-cat. Always!
Soon you’ll be in those short sleeved travelling clothes and you and your 37.5 pound suitcase will be warming up in the sun. Happy travels to you and Happy Lunar New Year 🙂
Colleen, oh aren’t these scaredy-cat winter driving days something? Snow is beautiful when you’re safe inside looking out, but when you’re maneuvering in it…not so fun. I hope me & the suitcase does make it safely to warm weather. Thank you! (And it’s the Lunar New Year? Must be an auspicious event. I love the moon!)
Admiring your packing skills. That’s a pretty light weight bag considering all that you are packing for!
It’s the Chinese New Year.
Oh, Chinese New Year. Ah! You know, that bag seemed DARN heavy to me this morning. When Kiah and I went to Europe we had carry-on bags. But this time I need dresses, and fancy shoes (ha! flats! It is a beach wedding after all). Guess what? The radar loop suddenly shows that there might be an open space later this afternoon without snow. Maybe?
That’s wonderful news! How could there not be an open space when destiny is calling 🙂
It’s okay to be a scaredy-cat in weather like that – it makes you more cautious. Good luck with your flight, enjoy your tropical vacation, store up lots of warmth to bring home with you. And one must carry one’s technology with one at all times – just to ensure survival and communication.
That is wise, Carol. A little fear keeps us in the present moment and not drifting around in our head–as I discovered first thing this morning. Thanks for your well wishes. The technology is a necessity–but a little heavy! Wouldn’t a notebook be lighter?
That first photo’s a doozie, Miss Kathy. Please know that you’re zipped in the pod! I’m looking forward to lots of great photos and stories when you get back 🙂
I love it that you commenters are so CALM. So matter-of-fact and assuring. Of course you’re not looking out the window…. Grin. I like that pod, Laurie.
Hi Kathy,
Sometimes a little fear makes us cautious – like in most things, moderation, and in those awful conditions it’s good to have a latte or two under the belt, so to speak! Safe travels my dear! Once you get to that destination (sounds heavenly!) you may wish to stay there until maybe April? 🙂
Hugs
SuZen
OK, SuZen, you’re on! I’ll contemplate staying until April…but, no, what about poor Barry? I would have to come home to him. Unless he would decide to join me–but, no, there aren’t any frozen lakes down there to ice fish. 🙂
First – I really like that photo of you two. The red in the background makes it feel very professional 😉
Second – best wishes for safe travel. I sincerely hope the weather does its thing and you get out this afternoon. Assuming you do, I’m sure things will be a-okay. When Tony and I were flying out of Atlanta to come see our house up here (to consider buying!), we flew out HOURS late because of weather in Detroit where the plane we were to ride on came from. We landed in Flint around 1:30 a.m., about a half hour after we should have arrived in Elk Rapids. We got to our cottage at 4:50 a.m. and then went house-hunting at 7:00 a.m. In the end, everything turned out great! I’m sure your trip will, too. I the meanwhile, enjoy your lite latte!
Heather, you are so encouraging. You know, in retrospect, these crazy trips always turn out all right. It’s when you’re in the middle of them–say, at 1:30 a.m. or 4:50 a.m.–that it can nerve-wracking & crazy. Afterwards it’s always a good story! These are the times we remember, not the “ordinary” trips where everything goes smoothly and easily. I have moved from the latte to a regular cup of java and am now getting a buzz. No more coffee except decaff! Thank you, friend.
Whew, shudder, whew … I’m so with you on the Scaredy Cat thing, driving in our conditions. I’m so glad you posted so that we know where you are and that you’re safe, warm and on to big adventures. LOVE the pictures. You and Catherine are 2 suns! Have a wonderful, wonderful time. Sending much love!
Hi Susan! I know we’re BOTH winter scaredy-cat drivers. Guess what? There may be an opening on the radar loop. Oh I hope! Glad you loved the update. It’s kept me busy and entertained this morning here at the coffee shop, that’s for sure. It’s almost time for lunch, pondering going to Bambu. Bamboo? But don’t know if I’m still too nervous to eat. If so, will pick up lunchie to go at the co-op. Thank you for your love and support and presence!
Well our winds have died down here Kathy and have released into rain. May your travels be uneventful in the weather department and you reach your destinations as planned! Today I am pondering the impact of weather on my painting over at Creative Potager so if you are stuck in a long wait feel free to slip over and see the deer, and wind beaten sandstone shore.
Yay for possible open radar loops! I hope, hope, hope. Yum to Bambu/oo OR co-op … must eat, must eat … it soothes some of the nerves! Hugs!!!
I, too, am a scaredey-cat, I’m afraid. I hope you get out, my friend–TODAY! Have a wonderful trip–a great time somewhere south of here.
Hugs,
Kathy
I’m a scarredy cat to all of the above! Drive safe and enjoy the warm weather! I would love to go somewhere warm right now…
You are standing in front of MY barn!
Hope you made it to Florida…even though I prefer your Lake Superior to anything in Florida,
Hoping the radar loop thing worked for ya Kathy.
You know how I feel about the slick driving. Cautious is the word of the day on greasy roads.
Hopefully you are in Florida by the time you read this comment! Enjoy the warmth and try to send some back north if you get the chance! 😉
Hugs. I’m sure you’ll be fine… you’ve depth to cope with stuff even when you don’t think you have.
Sure hope you got outta there, Kathy, and we’ll be seeing beach photos very soon. I don’t much mind driving in snow, but freezing rain/slush are a different story. No freezing rain in Fort Myers, though – nothing to be worried about there (I hope).
Icy roads make me a scardy-cat, too. Less so, if there are no other cars around to worry about … Hope your trip goes as scheduled and you have a great trip.
I’m hoping that your non-replies to earlier comments means that you’re already in Florida by now. 🙂 Fingers are still crossed until I get confirmation!
I am such a scaredy cat when it comes to roads, but my nerves don’t end with winter road conditions. I’m an anxious passenger in a car at the best of times– I’m sure I must be part feline. I don’t drive AT ALL, and it’s all because I’m afraid of cars (or, more specifically, other drivers.) Carbon footprint aside, I’d much rather fly somewhere far away than drive. Otherwise, walking, cycling, or good old public transit suit me just fine.
Have a wonderful trip, Kathy! Enjoy the sunshine at your Destination! 🙂
I live in a place where the roads can be terrible in winter. And I’ve NEVER gotten used to it.
Hope you have a great trip.
Good morning–just wanted to tell you all–or comment readers, anyway–that I am safely in Florida! After only a two-hour plane delay out of the Upper Peninsula (and two missed connections because of it) I am happily here with Mom and Dad. We are getting ready to go on a 3-mile beach walk in a few minutes. Whew–what a day yesterday! Today is already much more relaxing…. Thank you for all your well-wishes and concerns and blessings.
Kathy, thank you for the update. So glad to hear this 🙂
I am so happy you made it safely to Florida 🙂 Enjoy your time with Mom and Dad on the warm beach and remember all of us up here in the snow! Have a wonderful wonderful time Kathy! ♥ My toes can feel the sand already 🙂
At work, don’t have time to read this all but am REALLY glad you made it to Florida! ENJOY!!!!
Are you ready to tell us where you are going for the wedding yet??? 🙂
Sure…easy not to be scared sitting on a beach in Florida. 😀 Have a great time!
So glad to hear you arrived safely. 🙂
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Dear friends, I am afraid I have no more time to respond individually to comments! (The rest of the vacation, probably.) Thank you all for your comments and your blessings and your caring and your concern. How wonderful you all are! I appreciate you all so much…and hope that someday I can bless you equally as well. It’s good to be down here in Florida visiting with my precious Mom and Dad. These days spending time with them are like gold to me. Love to all of you, Kathy
Oohhh, that would scare me, too!! (Didn’t you have that kind of weather before, when you had to go to the airport??).
We don’t have to deal with snow and ice very often here, and when we do, school is cancelled anyway, and we stay home. I do NOT like driving at night, though. The only thing worse than driving at night, is driving at night in the rain!
Glad you made it to Florida! (Greg has been in Tampa all week!)
Ah, yes, I can relate to being a scaredy cat under such conditions. It’s one thing to tuck under a blanket with a cup of coffee during a storm, but quite another to venture outside, and doubt the all-weatherness of my old tires to adhere to a slick sheet of ice. Only a waiting plane to Florida could make me do so.
Have been a scaredy-cat a couple of times in this country, too. Traveling in a foreign country is such a trip. Ha ha… Wanting to write a blog either today or tomorrow, time willing, and share with you all. Thank you ALL for your wonderful comments.