This is my first winter on the East Coast in 30 years. That's right, I haven't driven in snow and ice, haven't had to add items like "mufflers" to my wardrobe, and haven't experienced the sheer joy that floods one's being upon entering a warm, cozy house after getting fah-rozen while out walking the dogs.
My darling daughter is scheduled to arrive on Christmas eve, and although the past 48 hours have resulted in more work - and crazier deadlines - than I've had in months, my sis and I are going to brave the elements tonight as we do our holiday shopping. That means $$ output, but also an experience that is completely novel: bundling up and shivering from one store to the next. Does it sound like I'm dreading it? Cuz, I'm not. I'm actually so excited it's pathetic.
State Street was definitely, when I harken back to my teens, the scene of the crime. But now, it's, like, Nostalgia Alley. I actually get a little lump in my throat when I see it, twinkle lights tracing all the storefronts, preparing itself for the onslaught. I'll be hoisting my camera every 10 paces or so.
Oh, and may I just say? The ACME (Media's grocery store - since bought by Albertson's in Cali) was poppin' when I was there a couple of hours ago. The anticipation of this storm system had shoppers cleaning out shelves and narrowly missing five cart pile-ups at every aisle cap. I spent a meaningful five minutes with one woman who, like myself, was desperately seeking molasses. No, it's not in the baking aisle with sugar. It's on the syrup aisle. Huh? But we happily clinked jars and toasted each other anyway, calling out "Happy Baking!" before we continued our missions.
Okay - now I gotta jump, cuz if I expect to go out tonight, I need to complete some of the paying work I've got on my very full plate.
Happy Nor'Easter all!
I'm thrilled that you are sharing your writing on Facebook. I enjoy our stuff!
Les
Posted by: Les Helyes | 12/18/2009 at 05:25 PM
Thanks Les. It's wonderful that you took the time to post here. We are smack in the middle of TWO FEET of snow - and it's the lovely, powdery stuff. I'd forgotten how magical it is!
Posted by: Lucia | 12/19/2009 at 06:07 PM