Packin'

Most of the time the title word means that I am preparing for a trip somewhere, but this time it means that I spent all day today in class to acquire my Concealed Handgun License.  Since I passed the test at the end of the session, tomorrow I will be at the shooting range qualifying with my pistol of choice.  Then I will tackle a stack of forms, mail them, and wait for several months to receive my license. 

I wasn't surprised by all the laws and guidelines presented, but they certainly reinforce how complicated the Second Amendment is.  The plethora of changes, interpretations, comments, decisions, etc. total more than any one person could ever master in a lifetime, especially since lawmakers keep changing the rules.  My favorite topic was safety, and more safety, and--did I say?--safety.

Airport Antics

I'm safely home again after craziness at MSP airport. The time from when we were dropped off until we reached our gate was one hour. One hour! Bag drop-off had a long line even though we had checked in ourselves and our bags online. Longest line ever was at security with only one machine working and one checker halfway working. Finally, some staff started another line. We looked at the other checkpoints, and they were just as bad or worse. After rushing to our gate C14, we found every chair empty and another destination posted. Desperately, we went next door to C15 for help and saw San Antonio on the screen. They had changed gates without announcing or calling because it was only next to the posted gate. Yes! We felt sure boarding had already begun, but no, not possible, because the captain on the previous flight had left his things on the plane, and rules state no one can touch them. Eventually, he appeared to resolve the issue and we boarded. Then our flight attendant had a sarcastic wit better reserved for her evenings with a wine glass in her hand. Whew! Happy to be out of there but always ready to plan another trip to see my precious family!

Shakespeare Redux

We took granddaughters to the movie theatre to see Gnomeo and Juliet. I would not have gone under any other circumstances, thereby attesting once again to my unsurpassed love for them. Several allusions (e.g. R & G moving van) to Will's earlier drama were subtle enough to question their raison d'être, perhaps to keep the screenwriters awake and motivated. Poetic (actually not poetic at all) license ran rampant (just like my cliches, French, etc.). Eventually the bard himself made an appearance, albeit in the form of a statue come semi-alive. As for the dénouement, go see for yourself but be warned. 
The popcorn was delicious.

Winter Snack

Ever since first experiencing snow as a toddler, younger granddaughter prefers to nibble the fresh white stuff right out of her mitten.

Winter Smile

Happiness is stomping a hole in the snow hill until she's up to her chin.

Shovel Master

S-I-L couldn't wait for snowplow to clear garage door since girls had early appointment. Fortunately, and not by accident, daughter has 4-wheel drive jeep to handle the driveway.

Snowy Aftermath

This morning snow has stopped falling and scenes like this heavily laden tree are all around us. Only the tops of mailboxes are visible after snowplows clear the streets. Our bowl for collecting fresh snow has totally disappeared somewhere beneath the fluffy white stuff. Neighbors have left for work, daughter will leave later to take our granddaughters for annual checkups, and life moves forward after the snowstorm.

More Snow

Giant snowflakes continue to fall. Staying inside is a comfort and a challenge.

New Snow

Snowfall has begun, and weather forecasters predict 6-12 inches. Yesterday much grass was showing but not now.