Scooter Saga

Just when I thought Spring was coming and severe weather was behind us, we were hit with a windstorm.  Granted, it wasn't a severe tornado–like storm more commonly seen in the Midwest, but it toppled trees onto homes, roads, powerlines and (gulp) knocked out electricity to thousands of homes.  Now, I realize being temporarily out of power is a 'developed world' problem, but we are an indulged nation.  I was born and raised a spoiled citizen and can live with that. Pollyanna to Elphaba Ordinarily, I can maintain a positive attitude in a challenging situation, so when Earl texted me at breakfast Friday morning that the power was out, I thought, "No problem.  Surely the power would be restored by the end of the day.."  After all, it wasn't the middle of winter, there were two fireplaces for heat, a water tank with enough hot water for a couple of navy showers, gas for cooking, and emergency supplies. My tech devices were charged (at the time) , so I was...

Triking up the street In the six years I've been scooting, this was the first year I found myself often weathered in. It's been a long winter. Snow, ice, wind, and heavy rain got me out of the scooting routine.  I have to confess to some reluctance that I attribute to advancing age and cowardice. If the street is wet, my tricycle slips, so I wasn't triking either*.  I hadn't seen my 'route' friends in months**.  It's not as if I haven't been out and up the street in a car this winter.  I just missed being outdoors by myself. The comings and goings Earl and I, living here 36 years, aren't the longest residents on the street, but pretty damn close.  Turnover is slow here, but eventually time passes.  Kids grow, graduate, marry, move out, even though we never age.  I was able to get a closer view of the new house being built and an update on the house for sale on the street. My new 'friends' Looking outside, the Oregon sk...