Winter solstice

Well, it's almost the winter solstice and not a day too soon.  We've had a gloomy but snowy season so far with little sunlight.  I've moved into my boyfriend's solar-powered house and am more aware of the sunlight, or lack of it than I used to be.  I really relish the rare sunny days now, even more than I did before.  The house is in the mountains, so the driving has been a bit of a challenge as well.  I'm remembering my mountainous driving skills, though.  When I get close to the steep hill on the dirt road where we're living. I pick up speed to cruise up and over the icy patches before I careen into the ditch - again.

A couple of weeks ago, I was on my way into town to drop off my visiting grandchildren and make my way 2+ hours southwest to do a live radio show, when I hit a patch of ice just after cresting the summit of the hill.  That north side of the hill was completely ice covered and hadn't yet been sanded. As we kept picking up speed, with no control via the steering wheel or the brakes, my granddaughter screamed, "Hit the brakes, Nana!  Hit the brakes!"  I realized that I needed to do something before plunging down the steep hill, into the road and maybe the house below, and gently tapped the brakes enough to send us into the ditch, landing in a soft snowbank and luckily, or skillfully (who knows for sure) missing all of the numerous trees and boulders.

Needless to say, I didn't make it to the radio station but have managed to reschedule for late spring.  And, there was no damage to my car or any of the passengers.  It also gave all three of us a great story to tell.  Much as I love my little car, I think I will shop around for a 4-wheel drive vehicle for next winter.  Meanwhile, I'll thoroughly enjoy the increasing light and pray for lots more sunshine.  I wish you all a happy and healthy season and hope to see you at one of my upcoming shows.  Be sure to check the calendar here regularly and sign up on my mailing list.  (subscribe)