A slight bend in the road

Today signals a marked change in the routine we've been experiencing for the past couple of weeks. Reflection replaces anticipation. Wet replaces fluff. Balmy replaces frigid. High stress gives way to a little more relaxation. Some of the folks we couldn't wait to see are headed home.

Beginning today, the Christmas holiday season moves on with a few low-key visits in store, but also with the annual quiet time where it's apparent people are doing their thing, whether it be skiing/boarding, reading, working on a jigsaw puzzle, clutter removal or other small projects that often sit and wait for months before time allows their attention.

The hubbub has all but ended.

In spite of disappointment that our Willie, Debbie and the grandpuppies could not come, I have really enjoyed the past few days. They've been filled with back-breaking work with a shovel, worry about animals getting caught underneath sliding snow, piling in the car to go to the movie or to Christmas dinner, to visit with friends, or to head over to Colburn several times for the family doings. We've also enjoyed our share of nice visits with friends and family here at the Lovestead.

In between all the socializing, we've been literally keeping the home fire burning and the animals fed and safe. Annie Love has worked up a sweat operating the snowblower. Only problem was one time we didn't even notice all the work she'd done clearing out the driveway while we were in town. The intense snow dump yesterday covered up most of her work before we arrived home to appreciate it.

Annie goes back to Seattle this evening. My brother Jim has a long day ahead, driving back to Grants Pass, and my niece Laura (Happy Birthday, Laura) and her family head back to Plummer. My older brother Mike and his wife arrived safely Friday night for a few days of visiting.

I love the time after Christmas because the days are getting longer, ever so slowly, the new year is coming and visions of gardening, new projects and new goals begin swirling in my mind. It's a time for getting organized or at least plotting how things are gonna happen once this winter gets over.

There's frustration, however, especially for impatient souls like me. I always figure that when Christmas stuff ends, so should the snow. Mother Nature has different ideas. I don't know how many times I heard people utter during yesterday's never-ending snow dump, "And, this is only Dec. 27," but I heard it often.

Our minds don't want to stay in synch with the calendar, which reminds us that winter just began seven days ago. Our minds don't want to think about the fact that the calendar dictates winter for at least three more months. Our minds don't even want to go there when someone pipes up, "Remember, it lasted until June this past year."

We have to deal with that reality over the next several weeks and doing so is the TOUGHEST challenge most people face at this time of the year. It's a long, long time until all those mind swirls can be acted out and put into reality.

Mental toughness is an asset in North Idaho as is a sense of humor. Both will be getting their annual overtime workout as we face the long winter months ahead. For now, the day-to-day happenings of a Christmas season winding down will keep us from worrying about boredom.

Happy Sunday and safe travels for everyone who sets off on their way home today.