In the Zone

Today I was leaving school, and took the shortcut through the auditorium/gym. There I encountered three young boys who were brandishing hula hoops. I smiled at them and stuck to the edges of the room while I exited. Half way through the room one of the boys cautioned: "Watch out! You're in an empire war zone." I don't think empire was the word he used, but alas I forget the real one. In any case, it was reminiscent of Star Wars, and whether the connection was in my head alone or a legitimate one I do not know. I thought it completely charming, whatever it was, and continued merrily on my way.

Once outside, however, I discovered more truth than fiction in the idea of some kind of danger zone. I was driving up over the Newport Bridge (yay!) and noting how unusually green the water was, when I was suddenly without control. My car was going right, and I was not making it do so! And then I realized it was the wind! I slowed right down, and crept the rest of the way, still incredulous at the force of the gusts.

The water showed it, too, by being choppier than I've seen it before. It was so choppy, in fact, that I stopped to take pictures. I tried to open the door, and realized I had accidentally locked it on myself. So I hit the unlock lever and nothing happened. The door wasn't locked - it was the force of the wind against my door that made me unable to open it without an unusual amount of force!

Ah the joys of remnant hurricanes/nor'easters.

Now, though, I am happily ensconced on the couch, ready to do lesson plans, and reveling in chocolate and beautiful music (um, by the way Craig, we have your John Rutter CDs. Heh heh heh, thanks!). Thank the Lord for a warm, dry, comfortable house!