Weekending

Maybe the best plans are the ones which change so much they aren't plans anymore.  A blizzard will do that for you, throw your plans into the air.  Yes, a blizzard of the can't see the road anymore variety will stop you with 90 miles left to go in the 210 miles planned road trip.   

But little gems are discovered within unplanned plans.  Being tucked in cozy while the snow pelted down, enjoying delicious eats paired with red wine and locals was just the kind of little gem my soul didn't know it was searching for.  



Never have I been more thankful to be lucky enough to sit in the warmed up and pulled to the door car.  I have always been the one doing the scraping and the warming on my own and let me tell you, it's a gift to have someone along who takes care. 

Not having to do the work also left me with time to catch some beauty.  Bonus.   

Thanks to Momma Debi, I had a variety of handmade crocheted warm items to keep toasty.  Thanks to my issues with packing, I had two green apples along.  It was three but I ate one in the stress of the road playing invisible.  I also packed five pairs of boots and shoes; I'd blame it on winter unpredictability but really it should simply be blamed on my ridiculousness with decisions.   



The next morning, daylight made for much safer travel conditions and this is the sure, not only will I haul all the baggage in and out in the below zero temperatures with snow whipping in my face and scrape and re-scrape the windows and drive the car within inches of the door each time but now I will hold your sunglasses while you have your moments with the sun dogs look.  It's a good look, one with always a smile.  

And indeed, moments I had.  Because sun dogs are a rare cold weather phenomenon and they are beautiful.  Striking rainbows on each side of the sun in the starkness of the cold white.  More beauty from the unplanned plans.  

Upon arrival of final destination, I was dropped at a Starbucks while a haircut was sought after.  I crocheted and drank tea and was thankful my mom taught me the best gift you can give yourself is to learn to be self-entertained.  I could have sat there for hours, working on my dish cloths.  





But the original plans were back on track at this point so it was lunch and a college basketball game with reserved, right behind the Montana bench, seats gifted from Billy's friend named the coach.  

 

I hear it's a win to be this close to the action but I mostly people watched.  However, Billy was impressed with some of my observations from the game.  To which I said, "It's not that I don't get sports, I just can't really pay attention unless someone I love is playing."  And I want to say thanks to that guy in the tan sport coat for the tickets.  He's called the head coach.  See! There I go with my sports knowledge again.  Also I should mention the security guard took my big camera from me before the game.  He gave it back, but still.  Some people.    

With a couple hours to spare before meeting cousin Brian and family out for dinner, back to the hotel we went.  Billy for visiting with the Montana people and me for putting my frozen feet under the blanket, drinking a cup of coffee to try warm up my frozen nose, and more yarn.   



Finally, I tucked my little old lady gear away and joined the action in the lobby.  Marcus the point guard took a picture for us and then I took pictures of things because it's what I do.  While, without my knowledge, Billy took pictures of me taking pictures of things.  This is all very clear I'm sure. 

The night ended with white twinkly lights and meeting family.  Heart happy indeed.   

The next morning we enjoyed breakfast and I might have put several honey packets into my bag because those sure come in handy and then we hit the road to listen to classic country tunes and visit the time away.  Here's where I admit the yarn came out again and I dozed for a spell as well.  Like I said, it's nice to have someone along who takes care. 

 

It's also nice to have plans unplanned. 

 

To take it as it comes and embrace the hidden beauty.