These are random musings of my life journey, the people, animals, places, and events which have woven, and continue to weave, a tapestry that is me. We all know there is no real destination, only the ongoing experiences which blend together, creating the trail. Each step gives a glimpse of what is to come, without allowing me to see the end result. It is exciting. I have a home base that is mine, that gives me a place to rest. This is it. This is where my heart is, no matter where I journey...................

Sunday, August 27, 2006

Home Again, Jiggidy-Jig

I am back at home. It was a nice "vacation." And true to form, as I was driving back today, the sky looked ominous, indicating to me that there would be "weather" in Kansas City. I'll bet it was perfect the whole time I was gone, and now that I'm back, the storms come. OK, I know I'm not that important, but it seems like there is an evil plot against me at times.

Anyway, I called ahead to ask Caroline and Laura about the weather, and sure enough, the city was under a tornado warning. One of those devils touched down near the city, but about 15 miles or so from us. I was just about to exit the toll road on I-35 when it poured rain, then before I got the last exit of the town ( probably about 4-5 miles), it quit!



I looked at the skies, and I saw some rather pretty cloud formations ahead, to the north, so I stopped and took a picture.








Then, another 10 miles or so, and this was off to the west of the highway. (click this to enlarge it so you can see how ominous it really was.)








A few more miles and I saw these interesting clouds ahead, to the north. Nothing worrisome, but a mixture of grey and white against the blue sky.








A few minutes down the highway, there was once again some scary looking formations on the southwest of a rest stop where I paused to take pictures.








And on the northeast at that rest stop, toward KC, where the tornado and torrential downpour was, I could see mostly soft, white clouds and blue sky!! Mild appearing, and a crazy mixture of fluffy white and grey streaks.






What the heck was going on? It was so interesting to see so many dramatic changes in such short distances.

When I got to the house and walked in, I was giddily happy to see the newly finished floors. They are really beautiful. I took pictures, but I'll wait to post them until tomorrow. They look wonderful, and the house smells so nice and fresh. Now my work is cut out for me, cleaning and minor touch up around the house, packing and storing or preparing for taking with me the remaining items here. Not much is left relative to what has been done, but still a significant list of tasks.

I've set my date for departing KC. I hope to finish the actual work in about 4 weeks, and use one last week to have lunch and dinner with everyone who has requested it. I need to make a list so I don't forget anyone, but I think there are about 10 appointments I need to keep. It will be good to have some free and quiet days for saying goodbye that is going to be an emotionally tough week, I'm sure. I will leave KC on 9/29/06, one year to the date that I left for Washington State to prepare for my husband's death. I decided that since that date was so close, I'd "close the circle" by ending my residence here on that date. There have been several other circles closed in similar ways in the last year, and it seems fitting.

So . . . it is real. And it is close. I feel both excitement about the new life ahead for me and some dread at the prospect of leaving the house the last time. Look out world, here I come!

10 comments:

  1. Be sure to add us to the list of who wants to take you to dinner.

    Beautiful pictures of the clouds. It's amazing how the weather here in KC can change on a dime. One question: did you pull over to take the pictures? Hope so.

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  2. We had tornados up here in MN that night too, I love severe weather as long as nobody gets hurt! It is beautiful. Nice photos!!

    Glad you're back by the way!!!

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  3. caroline - No, I didn't stop! Those were on the fly!! Of course, you silly goose! I don't walk and chew gum, so no way would I try pictures from the steering wheel. Scary! I agree, I couldn't believe that the clouds were changing so rapidly. Sure, I'll put you on the list.

    sandra - I agree that the clouds are amazing in severe weather. I'm not really afraid of this kind of weather, but I have a serious respect for it. I have to admit that I will be glad to be away from tornados, for the greatest part. The Southwest has magnificent electrical storms, also not to be treated lightly, but I look forward to some photos of those, too.

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  4. Glad you are home and safe. We are once again doing hurricane prep. Fun! Hope it doesn't get too fierce. I love you.

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  5. Cool pics, especially the 2nd one. Like sandra, I love storms as long as nobody gets hurt! Have you ever seen the movie "Twister"?

    p.s. tl is lucky! :)

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  6. tl - I really, really hate this! But I love you!! Keep me informed, OK?

    m - Thanks!!

    jen - Yes, I've seen "Twister." I can tell you it isn't much fun living in the tornado path! Uhhmmm, I don't think tl will agree with you! She likes storms like I do . . . seeing them from afar and through the camera lense!!

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  7. Those pictures were very neat. Weather is so interesting. I think you have a wonderful attitude about your life change and I love the idea of "closing the circle". My best to you Lynilu. You will be okay no matter where you are.

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  8. patti - Thanks. "Closing circles" is a concept that has become significant to me over time, but especially of late. There is something comforting about seeing things closing, seeming to be complete. It helps me let go of that phase, that series of events, or whatever it is, more or less like tying the bow of a package or making the final cut of the tape on a closed, packed box. Wrapping up, letting go and moving on. Yep!

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  9. traci - I did not!! My girls live on the pennsula across the Sound from Seattle. I love your part of the country. It is so gorgeous! I couldn't live there because I have SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder)and the lack of bright sunshine causes me to sink emotionally. Hey, next time I go to visit, I'll let you know and perhaps we can have lunch or dinner. Wow! The world just gets smaller and smaller, doesn't it?

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If you have something to say about it, just stick out your thumb, and I'll slow down so you can hop aboard! But hang on, 'cause I'm movin' on down the road!!! No time to waste!!!