Moving forward and moving sideways are antithetical entities. Literally, I made a comparison today. I thought of the Caravan plane going sideways (and up and down) when I went from Kodiak to Old Harbor, as Pete and I were heading to town. We turned onto Murphy Road from Oceanview (we live on Oceanview) and on Murphy, we started slipping around.

Pete seems to see driving on icy roads as being challenging. Me, I avoid driving in these kinds of conditions. But I do trust his judgement, and his reflexes, limitedly. This morning, I did my share of whimpering and screeching. Really, all that would have happened would have been that we would have slid off the road. And most likely we would have been able to extricate ourselves and keep going because there isn’t that much snow.

Usually by this time we have had at least one good snowstorm. Not this year. It’s been too warm. Folks, this is climate change. Do I think that we are doomed? Yes I do.

Pete and I talked about the potential sale of 60 acres of land on Murphy Road. It’s forested, cottonwood, spruce, and birch predominate. If it is purchased by developers and they put in housing, I will move. This, I know for sure.

All the places around here are going, even the funky places. There is a place on Buffalo Mine Road, it is surrounded by swamp, was formerly owned by a couple who raised ducks and geese. It is the least habitable place around. But someone has purchased it and is adding an addition to the house.

When Pete said that he was worried about the 60 acres, I said that worrying does nothing – that rather, we have to approach the owners of the place, and ask them what their plans for the acreage are, then maybe approach those who feel like we do, that it ought not be developed, and have them purchase it.

It was an uneventful day. I worked steadily, all day, and took care of many, many, things in the former banquet room of the historic Eagle Hotel. I actually began outside and spread some salt on the sidewalk in front of the building. I thought, well, this is doing little good because the entire parking lot was a sheet of ice, and I didn’t have that much salt on hand. Plus, the square bucket has been our door stopper for the past year.

Inside, I got ready for tomorrow, making the Christmas books accessible to the two groups of 17 children who are supposed to come in tomorrow. I was stumped as what to read them, but I didn’t worry about it. Then it did come to me – I will read Dr. Suess and the book about the man with many caps. I don’t know if I will be able to keep the children’s attention that long – we shall see.

Icy conditions again tomorrow. I am not going near the hotel Saturday or Sunday. Two days off, what a novelty this will be.

Next: 332. 12/6/24: Turning Corners