What the Wind Carries... Rolly A Chabot

"Chilly" comes to mind as I look outside and is resounded in the actions of the two permanent indoor weather gauges who reside here. I have all the modern technology inside on the wall. Push a button and I have access to exactly what is happening through my personal weather station. It looks fancy sitting outside and provides me with an accurate translation. No matter how long or how hard I study it, its is just plain chilly and the fresh snowfall last night confirms it.

The two experts are Quigley and Gizmo. They both stand waiting to be let outside, in a hurry to greet the day as they bolt out the door. This followed by two sets of skid marks in the snow and a spin around to clamber over each other to get back inside. So much for modern technology when you have the best close at hand.

So welcome once again my friends to the Fireside. The inspiration of this post comes from a post a friend wrote a few weeks ago about the wind. It has brought me to think a little of this illusive element we all have in our lives and the many ways it affects us. Gather around and cuddle in close, get comfy and please stay as long as you like and feel free to post your comments. They are always welcome and be sure while you are here to take a healthy dose of love and as many hugs as you can handle....

I often like to lay on the ground and look up and watch the clouds pass overhead. I often ponder what it would be like to be the eagle I see soaring high above riding the updrafts for hours on end. The wind can change our lives drastically, especially here in Canada where winter means snow and wind means drifting snow.

In the far north wind can cause snow to pack so tight you can walk on it. It becomes so dense some of our Aboriginal peoples build winter homes. The eskimo I would venture to say are the people who have adapted to the wind better than any others. It is a way of life, ever present and they simply take it in stride. They are truly an amazing people, unlike us in the south. A small wind changes us, our attitudes and yes even our health.

In my case it generally brings on a change in the barometric pressure. The end result far to often is the onslaught of the dreaded migraine. Many I have talked to over the years have told me they have grown out of the affliction, I am holding tight that I will as well.

Can we se the wind physically, no but we can certainly see the beauty and sometimes even the destruction it can carry. I so love to stand and watch a slight breeze whisper its way through the trees. The leaves sing and dance to its call, it is created only as nature can create.

We recently had two days of high winds, so fierce it left a trail of shingles all over my back yard. I stood in horror thinking of the imminent phone calls to my insurance people and you guessed it, probably an expense unanticipated. The following day I found all the shingles to be those of my neighbours who had lost a great portion of his newly installed shingles. I felt terrible calling him and telling him. The following day the roofers were back making the repairs.

The origin of wind we do not know or understand, where it goes is where it decides to go. In todays modern world cities are becoming more aware as they plan the effects winds have in their downtown core. They have come up with some amazing design ideas which reduces what it does to the walking person. Step into these design advances, immediately you feel the differences.

I recently acquired a new addition to the family of recreational methods of getting around. This one is a sail boat, fully equipped with a galley and will sleep 3 comfortably. Yes it even has a head for those times you need one. In those days when you are without a means of propulsion well I also have a new Suzuki outboard.

Now comes the dilemma, you see I have never sailed. I have spent many hours on and below both fresh water and the ocean. I understand both, I have the greatest respect for any form of water. So learning to sail will be an entirely new experience. Thanks to the web I have found many courses, have studied and passed all the exams. Do I call myself a sailor, certainly not. You see I am one of the old school of thinking and learning you need to experience and learn first hand.

I have a small lake relatively close to my home, it sits in a depression and prevailing winds make it a perfect place to get my feet wet, well so to speak. The previous owner tells me it is a fine sailing craft. Due to his health he is unable to come along and teach, thus I am certain it will be a trial and error event. Best post a few signs at the unloading ramp warning people I am coming is all I can think...

Looking at this picture I am reminded we are like the wind in many ways. You see we change, we travel often to the unknown places in life. This particular lake is the final lake in a chain of 7 lakes connected together. All lakes had the challenges to get over to arrive here. I laugh thinking of how I had to set the camera timer, paddle like crazy to capture the pose. If I recall I made several attempts that day.

It was another time in my life, the winds had carried me through some hardships, I often think of those days, today I am thankful for the freedom I have from those addictions. They were some hard years, yet this canoe carried me into some of the most beautiful places.

Wind to me means change, something new is coming. I anxiously await what is around the corner. Never regret your past as it has brought you to where you are today. Be blessed my friends and be well.