Yesterday's Adventure

I left the house about 2:00 PM yesterday to do just a couple errands. I figured I'd be gone a couple hours or a little more, because one errand was to Gail's, and I knew we'd talk for a while. The errands themselves, with driving time, would have been about and hour, so that made sense. I also allowed for other delays just because if I run into anyone along the way, I know me. I'll stop and talk. That's me! Well, I got home from my "little trip" after 8:00 last night!!

I dropped some thing at Allan's house. He wasn't home, so that was fast. Then I went to the Gallery to pick up some papers. I stopped there for a while.

My coworker, AL, and her hub went to a meeting on Monday night that I couldn't go to because I wasn't feeling well. Her hub had afterward done some on-line research and had some information I wanted to read. I'll talk more about this at another time, because I'm still reading and don't want to misstate anything, but in a brief description, there is a proposed mining operation threatening to infringe on the wilderness area in The Capitan Mountains. There was little information released about this project, the company, etc., which makes me very suspicious, but we do know it will be "open pit." In a short on-line search Mr. AL found information that indicated that the "facts" released at the meeting were not forthcoming or complete. Gail attended the meeting, as well, and she confirms this feeling of "secrecy." We're going to be watching and probably fighting against this one. My concerns make a very long list. I'm not anti-mining, but this is going to be in my front yard, and abutting one of our wilderness areas. I want it done right or not done at all. I just have a really bad feeling bout this.

I commented to AL that I have been waking with headaches often lately they usually dissipate soon afterward as I have a cup of tea or coffee, something to eat and get busy. But yesterday it was still hanging on mid-afternoon. She responded that I probably needed some caffeine.

I've never told you about one of the excellent benefits of my job. AL is a Certified Barista. Any time that someone is around the Gallery mid-afternoon and is willing to stay a few minutes to watch the shop while she runs home, about two blocks, she will whip up a wonderful drink for everyone who is around. She uses the best coffees, teas, chocolates and flavorings, and you've never tasted better beverages. ........OH..MY..GAWD........ Her mocha lattés and hot chocolates and chai tea lattés and Italian sodas are SO good. Her coffees are smooth and strong, no bitterness as you so often get when the coffee is as strong as I like it. The hot chocolate is creamy and rich and just warms you "innerds" so nicely on a cold day. I like her chai teas better than any I've ever tasted as they have a mellow yet full flavor. Her drinks are far superior to Starbucks, Borders or Barnes and Nobles, or any of the others out there. I know if you're a Starbucks fan, you're rolling your eyes right now, but I'm not kidding you. It's just something you have to taste to believe. Come visit me and I'll prove it!

So AL ran to the house while I gathered up the things I needed and did a little bit of my own work while there. When she returned with the latté, I took a few tiny sips, carefully, because it was super hot. As it cooled enough to take some regular swallows of it, within a few minutes my headache was, indeed, gone!! Dr. AL to the rescue with the most delicious, yummy "cure" in the world! Thank you, AL!!!

Next I was off to Gail's. Wednesday is and afternoon off work for her. She had some information and her notes from the same meeting, and she also had a bracket for holding a toaster oven that was left in the house she bought. It attaches to the upper cabinets so the toaster doesn't clutter the cabinet. It didn't fit her toaster, but it does mine. We visited for a while, and at about 5:30 we noticed that it was snowing, very slightly, just little pellets of icy moisture, barely enough to show. Gail asked if I wanted to stay for dinner, and I thought I over a moment. Snow wasn't in the forecast, and I wondered if it was a good idea to stay. In this mountain country, an unforcasted (I know that's not a word, but it works well!) snow can turn into several inches. Oh, well, how bad can it be. I have four wheel drive and a good truck. I stayed.

Dinner was good. Spaghetti and a salad. And we had such a good visit. I really did enjoy the time. About 7:30 I got ready to go home, because Gail looked out, and the snow was covering the ground, not heavily, but enough to make me think about the added 1000 feet at my home elevation! I didn't wear a coat, just layers of sweater when I left home because it was in the 40's, sunny and comfortable. But I carry a heavy coat in the car for this kind of event, and I'm glad I had it.

The drive home was interesting! Not really difficult, but the highways were slick, packed with that icy snow that was coming down, so slow progress. The gravel roads were much easier to do, and fortunately most of my road home is on gravel. But the wind was blowing very hard and it was bitter!! I drove slowly, taking about 45 minutes to cross the nine miles between our homes. Here at the house I had what I can only guess because of the blowing and drifting, but I'd say about two inches. The temperature had dropped from the 40-ish when I left to 19! Ouch!!

I'm telling you, every day is an adventure in my life! I just don't have a predictable routine. And I'm so glad!! It's a lot more fun this way!!

Life is beautiful (and full of adventure)!!!