A week to remember

I had no idea what I was getting into this week on vacation.  As most of you know since the arrival of #1 grandson my vacations are almost always to North Carolina for a week of fun and frivolity with Calvin.  This year my family asked us to be available for Mardi Gras week.  The reason for this special request was a chance to go skiing; not me of course, but my son, daughter-in-law and even Calvin on the little bunny slope.  Joining us in the mountains of western North Carolina would be the family of Jimmy's life-long best friend.  My son Jimmy had been a classmate of Gary's since early elementary school and they stayed attached at the hip all through high school, then college, as roommates and staying close even after the big move to North Carolina.  In fact Gary was the best man in my son's wedding!

So after we arrived in Greensboro, we immediately noticed that the weather was dramatically changing.  Just like last year, our Mardi Gras adventure to visit the family turned into winter wonderland.  Last year we were hit with a late winter snow/ice storm but it passed in just a day or so.  This year we watched the snow fall on Monday and we were all concerned that our three hour drive west to the mountains would be in jeopardy.  My son decided we would take his older truck because it has four wheel drive so off we went.  We saw the effects/impact of a long hard snow that blanketed the mountains but the roads were clear.  Not to we arrived at the mountain side lane our rental house was located on did Jimmy utilize the four wheel drive. 



Wednesday brought all day snow, rough winds and bitter cold.  In fact, we have not seen 32 degrees or higher since Monday.  Both families made it to the ski resort for a couple of hours yesterday while I hung out at the "cabin".  Can I tell you the scenery is beautiful.  Everything and I mean everything is blanketed in white.  The mountains look more majestic than ever.  The trees blowing in the wind testify to the power of this winter storm.  And today by far has been the coldest day I have experienced in my entire life, -7 real temps and -32 wind chill. 

Why is this a week to remember?  Just being around family and long time friends in a cabin, sharing memories and stories and lots of laughter.  Our #1 grandson has had a blast playing with his new  friends and experiencing what he calls "his adventure".  He has played in the snow, went skiing with mommy and made smores last night in the fireplace.  The food that has been brought here to prepare and serve is incredible.  I had to remind myself that yesterday was indeed the first day of Lent.  Due to the weather conditions and the fact that I had no car I did miss Ash Wednesday services but we had a little time to reflect and pray.  My son's friends family are devout Catholics.  We sure did not suffer but we made sure that there would be no meat Wednesday; enjoying tuna fish sandwiches for lunch and delicious seafood gumbo for dinner.  Last night, with the fire place roaring and the children enjoying smores, we marveled at the wind, estimated in gusts at 50 mph.

So it has indeed been a week to remember.  This may be the largest snow event in my life and is certainly the coldest temperatures.  But it has been warm with my family and good friends with me and great memories shared and new memories made!