The Hammer
We have been experiencing that true South Texas winter… you know, the one where you have all four seasons in one week? We had some beautiful fall like weather that led to the Polar Vortex where we were well below freezing for days, that led immediately into Monsoon week. The ranch received over 12 inches of rain in 72 hours. We had a slight reprieve Thursday and then the rain came again yesterday. It is so saturated that we are standing in ankle deep water on TOP of the grass that is on the hilltop. The lower acreage… just a total mud swamp.
Reflection!
Last night, I was looking at the sunset, as I often do. It wasn’t a very notable sunset as I looked to the west where it was creeping down below the tree line. However, when I turned around, there she was… the glorious display of color I was hoping to see.
I watched the colors in the east, opposite the fading western sky light, emanate pastel shades transitioning from hues of blues, to oranges to pinks. They were not the rich, brilliant colors I often find while facing the sunset itself; but instead were soft, almost translucent expressions of iridescent display. It was a gentle reflection of the fading light of day turning night, causing a beauty all their own.
Polar Vortex Thoughts
This week has been all about preparing for the Polar Vortex that is due to arrive starting Sunday night. This is the third year in a row to have a really, really cold vortex blow through. We are in South Texas and we are designed to stay cool down here, not stay warm. Therefore, tt is a lot of work to prepare and try to stay ahead of broken pipes, frozen water, and warm spaces for all the animals. Even then, I worry the entire time about them. I also find great irony in the worry, as just a few months ago, I was fighting to keep them alive from the extreme heat wave and drought that was plaguing our summer.
Love and Hate
While symbolism of the fog and the frustration of the mud echoed in my thoughts on how important point of view really is when facing our day. I was appreciating one thing, while feeling frustration from the other.
