End of a Cycle…New Beginnings

Posted on December 31, 2012December 31, 2012 by Dusty Roads

If you are a Myan fan or were wondering why the end of the world didn’t end on 12/21/2012 you now know that the new theory is that the Myan’s weren’t predicting the end of the world but merely the end of a cycle in their long count calendar. The end of one era and the beginning of a new one. The keyword being change. Sounds a bit like our annual ritual at this time of year.

I was thinking about this the other day when I was feeling particularly restless. 2012 is on it’s way out and it’s about time for a year in review. The new slate is right around the corner with 2013. What do the fates have in store for me? There are always surprises, things that no amount of planning can prepare for. I wonder what 2013 will bring.

I can’t shake the feeling that 2013 is going to bring some things to a close in my life. I can’t explain it and I don’t think I can control it. But when one door closes another opens so I guess I’ll just have to hang on and see where this energy stream takes me. I know this sounds very “woo woo” superstitious. I just can’t explain what I’m feeling but it’s quite unsettling… Like being on super alert or on the edge of “flight or flight”.

One thing I do promise is that you’ll share my journey, what ever it is, right here on aroundustyroads.

December 25, 2012

Posted on December 25, 2012December 25, 2012 by Dusty Roads

Christmas Eve

Posted on December 24, 2012December 24, 2012 by Dusty Roads

What was that about “not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse”?

Still Here

Posted on December 21, 2012December 21, 2012 by Dusty Roads

So the world is supposed to be ending today huh? That’s bad. I never have found out who let the dogs out, the way to get to Sesame Street, why Dora doesn’t just use Google maps, why we don’t ever see the headline “Psychic Wins Lottery”, why women can’t put on mascara with their mouth closed, why “abbreviated” is such a long word, why lemon juice is made with artificial flavor yet dishwashing liquid is made with real lemons, why they sterilize the needle for lethal injections, why do you have to “put your two cents in” but it’s only a “penny for your thoughts”? Where’s that extra penny going to? Why did Joanie love Chachi? If a deaf person has to go to court is it still called a hearing? Can a hearse carrying a corpse drive in the carpool lane? Does the alphabet song and twinkle twinkle little star have the same tune? Why did you just try to sing those two previous songs? And just what is Victoria’s secret? You see, the world just has to keep going. I have too many questions……and do you really think I am this witty ????, because I actually stole this from a friend, who stole from a friend , who stole from a friend , who stole from for a friend , who stole from a friend ….I don’t know who wrote this , I can’t find a name…………. 😉

( Sorry there’s nothing original here today. After all..we weren’t supposed to be here. The world was supposed to end..so I stole todays post becasue I couldn’t say it better!)

Rain Rain Go Away

Posted on December 19, 2012December 19, 2012 by Dusty Roads

And what do you know…it did! Seems like every day I have off it rains. The weather report was for rain starting Sunday and going into Monday then followed by another storm system that would roll in with more…you guessed it…rain. That would last into Tuesday with heavy downpours at times. I pleaded with the storm gods to clear out for just 1 day because I had 2 young children to take to Edaville Railroad. Tuesday was the only day that my schedule fit with the children’s mother’s schedule. Rain would make it miserable so please , please go away…if just for a day.

I met Nancy (The Mom) for lunch at noon on Tuesday. It was a light drizzle so she said it would be ok. After lunch we “sprung” the kids from school for early release and ran back to their house for coats and hats because it was bound to cool off after dark. Edaville doesn’t open until 4 pm so we stopped for a snack at McDonald’s about 3. That killed 30 minutes which had us pulling into Edaville at a few minutes past 4. Perfect and as if the storm gods had heard my plea the clouds began to clear and the sun came out if only for about 20 minutes before it set for the day.

Alex knew where we were right away. I think it took Dawn a minute or two to get orientated then it was into the park.

While we waited for it to get a little dark we explored Santa’s workshop with model trains, toysets and Santa!

The kids sat with Santa and got candy canes then it was time for the kids to ride the rides and me to try to get some holiday light pictures before full dark.

Edaville almost closed down 2 years ago but something happened and plans changed. It’s back with refurbished rides and a full schedule. Holiday-themed lights are everywhere. Lighted animal sculptures roam the savannah that the train chugs through. ( The savanna is actually a Cranberry Bog) Sometimes they use a diesel engine but tonight is was steam.

I remember coming here years ago with my family when my niece (now a mother herself) was just a few years old.

Alex, being all boy, liked the bumper cars and he was tall enough this year to drive one on his own. Dawn was very brave and rode the huge ferris wheel that is almost as old as I am! The ferris wheel was built in 1953. Edaville itself has been operating in Carver since the 1940’s with occasional stops and starts for financial reasons.

The night flew by. Before we knew it they were calling all aboard for the last train. The kids were still flying high or so we thought but not long into the ride home quiet descended in the car. The kids were asleep in the back seat. What a peaceful end to a full evening of fun!