THE JAWS OF WINTER - Opening Segment (Scroll down for previous chapters.)


       I was just sitting outside on the deck, having my coffee, and contemplating summer’s departure.  “I hate it when summer leaves so quickly,” I mentioned to my wife.  “I’m not ready for those long, dark, and dangerous days of winter.”

     “What are you moaning about?” she asked.  “It’s June!” 

     “I know, but winter isn’t far off,” I said, looking at my watch. 

     

      I was still having flashbacks of last winter, when I was driving home on 50 miles of snow-covered roads.  I was following the advice my Grandpa had given me years before; always wear clean underwear, and go with the slide.  I thought, “What if I don’t like where the slide is going?  Does that mean I need an extra set of underwear?” 

     This particular night, my car was sliding in all directions.  I didn’t like any of them.  And I spoke to the car about it.  Completely ignoring my concerns, the car then did several fish tails, a 360 spin-around, a couple figure 8’s, along with some other moves I had never seen.  I finally let the car drive on its own, since it wasn’t letting me drive.  While it was driving, I got out my camera and took some great close-up shots of drivers in the other cars screaming as my car went by.  On two separate occasions, I saw passengers jump into the back seat. 

     My car finally managed to point itself in the right direction.  Then it let me drive again.   When I arrived home, I stopped at the top of our snow-covered driveway and parked the car.  Going down the driveway would mean a harrowing ride down to the lower forty and, possibly, into Canada, with a cow for a hood ornament.  Of course, the other cows would probably give me a standing ovation. 

    While I sat in the car at the top of the driveway, I surveyed the best path to the house; a path that would allow me to remain on my feet the entire distance.   I don’t like sliding out of control on ice and snow, especially when I’m on foot.  I finally tied a rope to the bumper of the car and lowered myself down to the bottom of the driveway.  When you’re older, you can’t be too careful.  I used to fall and bounce right up.  Now, I don’t bounce.   I rely on ‘‘catch and release.”  Someone has to catch and release me. 

To be continued...check back soon