An Unexpected Snow

When I left to drive to work last Monday, I had no idea it was going to snow. Over the course of my normally 30-40 minute drive, the weather progressed more and more rapidly the closer I got. The road had tracks in it. Everyone slowed to a mere 20 MPH and, at times, even slower. We were in the middle of some truly unexpected weather.

I believe we got a good four inches that day – quite the shocker for our area. While the bulk of it ended up melting later in the day, bits of snow were seen for days after that.

I saw some very creative uses of snow that day – from snowmen to snowwomen to a snow dinosaur. Yes, a snow dinosaur. It was quite good. It appeared to have been fashioned by four people. I saw them gathered around it. I assume they were admiring their creation.

Indeed, I had never seen a snow dinosaur before. I thought it was very clever. This was no thrown-together creation, either. It was very detailed, very artistic. I wish I  had a picture of it. They even mixed green food coloring into the snow and it definitely added to the effect.

Take a few moments and do a search for “snow dinosaur” on Google. From the main Google page, look in the upper left and click on Images. This will restrict your search results to images. So far, I haven’t found one to rival the snow dinosaur I saw last Monday, but there are some interesting ones.

I saw several snowmen and a couple of snowwomen. Many of them were a good size since we actually got a fair amount of snow for once. Some were simple and others were more elaborate.

One was especially large. Round Christmas tree ornaments were used on a couple of them to serve as buttons. Another had a mitten at the end of a long stick on each side, serving as effective arms and hands. One snowman even had a sneaker on either side of him, perhaps to help him gain some traction should he wish to go for a walk.

I have learned that there are certain streets where I tend to see snowmen and I like to make a point to drive down them and look whenever I get a chance. I saw some kids working on one creation and they were obviously having a wonderful time.

I love snow. It provides a refreshing break from the ordinary, from the mundane. It’s kind of magical – a time to do something different, to enjoy something special. While I’m glad not to be dealing with several feet of snow as they are in some parts of the country, I do wish we would have snows like this one more often. Winter’s not over yet, so here’s to wishing for more snow!

Please feel free to e-mail me or add comments on my web site.

This blog is also available in the Kindle store at Amazon.com.

If you are reading this on a Kindle, check out the web site for

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http://www.relevantlyrandom.com

COPYRIGHT 2010 MARIA CAMP

maria_camp@yahoo.com

All Rights Reserved.

Published in: on February 13, 2010 at 5:43 pm  Leave a Comment  

Pernell Roberts – Adam from “Bonanza.”

From left: Adam, in black; Little Joe, in green; Hoss, next to Adam; Ben/Pa next to Hoss.

From left: Adam, in black; Little Joe, in green; Hoss, next to Adam; Ben/Pa next to Hoss.

Pernell Roberts starred as the oldest son, Adam, on the hit TV series “Bonanza.” “Bonanza” ran for 14 years – the longest-running Western next to “Gunsmoke.”

Adam was serious, outspoken and well-liked by fans; however, Roberts was not happy with the role and left the show after the first six years.

He later starred in another show, “Trapper John, M.D.” The show ran for seven years.

Roberts also appeared in a number of guest-starring roles.

He was involved in fighting for civil rights and participated in Martin Luther King, Jr.’s famous Selma march in 1965.

Roberts died on January 24, 2010, of pancreatic cancer.

He was married four times and had one son, Chris, who died in 1989.

I didn’t really discover “Bonanza” until my mid-twenties when I first watched an episode, by accident, as I recall. I had never liked Westerns, but I found “Bonanza” to be different.

I liked the Cartwrights right away – nice folks who helped others. I found them to be delightfully lacking of the gratuitous violence in other shows I had encountered from that genre. “Bonanza” continues to be one of my favorite shows.

Adam has always been my favorite character. There’s just something about him. I wouldn’t describe him as “quiet.” I think “reserved” is more in order. He was outspoken when necessary. He knew how to hold his tongue but wasn’t afraid to fight, either.

“Bonanza” is a true classic and I am pleased that it’s still available on TV and through purchase from sites such as Amazon.com.

I love the theme music. It’s exciting and very catchy – a lot of fun to hear, hum, or play. I especially like playing it on my hammered dulcimer and my ocarina. There’s a lot of energy in it.

Pernell Roberts was the last survivor of the “Cartwright clan.” He will be missed.

You can watch some free episodes of “Bonanza” online.

Episodes may also be available elsewhere online.

Please feel free to e-mail me or add comments on my web site.

This blog is also available in the Kindle store at Amazon.com.

If you are reading this on a Kindle, check out the web site for

previous posts and for links for additional information.

http://www.relevantlyrandom.com

COPYRIGHT 2010 MARIA CAMP

maria_camp@yahoo.com

All Rights Reserved.

Published in: on February 4, 2010 at 4:45 am  Leave a Comment  
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