I looked out the front window just before I climbed in bed. I saw a person walking across the lawns. Right away I realized the sidewalks were already iced over by the freezing rain.
The cautious gate in every step caught my attention. Finally the walk came to where the snow ended and the slippery sidewalk began. Gently placing the first foot on the ice and then the second and the third was helped by a tree trunk for a crutch.
The careful walk almost reached the destination when down to the ground went my neighbor. She picked herself up gingerly with the aid of a car bumper and got inside of the car.
The car drove away slowly and thoughts of the morning commute immediately filled my brain with anxiety and fear.
I’m going to have to walk about eighty yards up the block to Betty’s parking spot. Then chip off a layer of ice before the drive out to work.
The younger version of me would have loved the icy challenge. Donuts and spinouts would be fun to attempt. I thought about how perfect the pavement was for skitching.
Then the older version of me. The one that I crawled into bed with last night was worried. Will the streets be salted? Will Betty’s new Uggs hold their grip? Will I have the streets to myself at 5:00 in the morning?
I’m going to take a part of the adventurous John Shepley and mix it with the cautious John Shepley and slide to work slowly.
My dreams were filled with Betty and ditches…. Spinouts and light poles…. Red lights and locked brakes.
Thus today’s quote….
I have to walk out the front door this morning with the vigor of my youth and not the old fart that I’ve started to become.
Take your time Chalkheads!
It’s going to be a slippery ride this morning.
