And now back to the road...

The winds are already starting to blow up from the southwest, which in this part of the world and this time of year means snow is on the way. On the TV the talking heads are trying to make their best guess and they mostly say some freezing rain today and 6 - 12 inches of snow over the weekend. Most of it will be in southeastern Minnesota which is exactly where I'll be traveling. Oh well.

The truth is we need the moisture, we're way behind on the snow and in this watery state we count on it to help keep us from drying up and blowing away in the summer. What can be a nuisance for us is a major source of replenishment for fields now resting in the cold for spring planting and lakes covered in ice but still needing fresh water to sustain thier ecosystems when the sun finally triumphs and the melting begins.

The stores are already full of people getting stocked up with food and supplies for the hunkering down to come. Its part of the drill in this neck of the woods and most people just stay off the roads, watch TV, and wait for everything to blow over. The big winners will be the folks driving snowplows who stand in line for a windfall of work and overtime and the pizza delivery people with four wheel drive who'll have barely enough down time for a cup of coffee.

My Saturn Vue shines in this kind of weather. Tall and kind of ungainly in the intricacies of urban commuting it becomes masterful when the weather turns bad. The extra foot of clearance makes for good road vision, the transmission is geared for traction, and there's space aplenty to store items needed to make the long run endurable and even, God forbid, survivable if need be. There's something to be said about a car that actually can sleep two people comfortably. It's gassed, the windshield wiper fluid is full, and ready to go.

So we'll keep an eye on the skies in the hours to come. First for the weather because these storms can take so many turns and we may not know the extent of things until its actually upon us. Second, and more important, for the blessing of God. It's always wise to do both, prepare as best you can and trust God for the unexpected. Then which ever way the wind blows it will still be okay.

I'll get back to you on Monday.