Travel theme: Transformation

18Feb
by Oh, the Places We See

We feel hesitant, embarrassed almost, to post these pictures for a Travel Theme challenge. We didn’t travel.  Not even to the mailbox.

Winter Storm Octavia

Early morning transformation of Winter Storm Octavia — mostly ice! on trees

Like much of America, Knoxville was hit with ice storms.  And like many people who encountered Winter Storm Octavia first-hand, we had none of what we now call essentials. No electricity.  No cable.  No television.  No internet.  We were transformed from a couple continually watching The Weather Channel while simultaneously checking email, writing blogs, or surfing the ‘net to a couple trapped in the silence of a winter storm.

We watched from our windows as nature transformed ordinary branches into ice-coated arms reaching ever downward. We could call it “winter wonderland,” but few but the very young were celebrating as closures of offices, schools, and businesses became the norm.

Feeling young again.

Feeling young again.

The silver lining in all of this was our personal transformation the day we kept our granddaughter while her parents braved the elements and returned to work at last.  We — yes we — became makers of snow angels, packers of snowballs, and boasters of first-footprints-in-the field sorta people.

Transforming yourself to a kid again, we found, was not all bad!

For more entries into Ailsa’s Travel theme: Transformation, click here.

24 thoughts on “Travel theme: Transformation”

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      You’re right about the transformations we go through without power. I’m just glad the power losses didn’t last longer than 2 days. I feel for those in Maine, Massachusetts, etc. Not sure I could live through a long, dark, snowy winter!

      Reply

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      Thanks so much for the compliment on those branches. I stood still in the cold (and my robe and house shoes) to get those on my back patio! (Glad no one saw me!) I’m just like a kid, though. Love to see snow falling and clear ice on branches!

      Reply

  4. Judy @ newenglandgardenandthread

    Children love snow and never seem to get cold. I loved those years of playing and sledding outside with the grandkids. I know if I grab a sled now and head out by myself someone will call the local authorities to come check me out. 🙂 Losing electricity is the worst and you get to think about how dependent and vulnerable the entire country is to those that don’t like us.

    Reply

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      You are so right, Judy. Playing with our granddaughter was a bright spot in this cold, dreary week. And we did think about how dependent we are on internet, cable, and electricity. I can only read and stitch for so long. Then I’m itchin’ to know what’s happening in the world!! Stay warm!

      Reply

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      Thanks for your question, Jill. I wish I knew all the answers. We still have many without power in my area. Some have power generators, some stay huddled near the fireplace. But most just layer on the clothing and try to stay active. It’s so dangerous for senior citizens who are isolated. Here’s hoping the power returns today, but we have temps of 5 degrees to contend with. Workers are just not out there doing what they would like to do to get power back on.

      Reply

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      You are so very, very right. We slipped and slid several times, but nothing that left bruises thankfully. We don’t have good boots anymore. Just don’t get out there and play even though it’s good for the soul. You take care also.

      Reply

  10. carleysd

    Rusha I think this may be the BEST of all your blog posts…beautiful and so thoughtful and true….how lucky you all are to have your Grand with you on these special occasions. . thanks for sharing.

    Reply

It makes our day to hear from you.