It’s been snowing off and on today. Sitting in the sunroom has been fun as there are windows on two sides of the room. With the space heater blasting away, it’s quite snug and pleasant at the big round table.
Watching the snow reminded me of an misadventure I had many years ago that involved snow, and a premonition.
In 1998, I attended the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show for the very first time with my new friend Persis. While there we enjoyed the warm weather of southwest Arizona as only a couple of winter weary Pacific Northwesterners could. While the staff of the motel were huddled in their office with heaters on high, we basked pool side.
Upon returning to Oregon, I also returned to a pretty gnarly snow storm. Driving down from Portland was quite an adventure. By morning the valley floor was blanketed with several inches of snow.
I’m not fond of driving in snow, so I made the decision to walk to the shop.
Bundled up in all the snow-ish gear I could find I started off. Just as I reached a major intersection I saw a solid wall of water coming towards me in my mind’s eye. My first thought was “that would suck.”
In retrospect, I realize that was the time I could have made a change in my course. Instead, I shook off the premonition and kept walking.
Twenty yards later, my premonition became a reality!
Hurtling towards me was a large, white SUV. At the wheel was a woman on her cellphone with two kids in the back. She was driving far too fast for the road conditions, and when her vehicle was about to pass me, she hit a huge puddle.
I was drenched! I recall standing there for a moment while the water, slush, and road grime dripped down my face. What to do? I was half way to the shop. I thought about turning around to go home and change. Instead, I decided to continue to the shop. There was a dress store in the same building, so I knew I’d find something to wear.
When I began walking, I was furious! I was convinced the woman had hit the puddle on purpose. She was the recipient of lots of scorn in those early moments. As I walked along (growing colder by the minute) I began reliving what had happened, and it was pretty comical. Then I realized that if what had happened was going to be funny later, it was probably pretty funny right then.
I started chuckling, and then found myself laughing out loud. Drivers whizzing past must have thought I was daft, but I didn’t care.
The gals at the dress shop helped me clean up when I arrived. My hair and make-up were toast, but I was warm, and dry… and I had a story to share for the rest of the day!
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