Monday, January 14, 2008

The Old River Road....

that winds its way through the countryside is as much a 'state of mind' as it is a reality. At least it is for me. The coming summer will see the beginning of my 24th year of following where that road leads me. It has become entwined with the way I view my life, my world. I no longer live at the lower end of that old road. I moved to the upper end in the 20th year. Not all roads lead you home, but for me, this one does.The old river road was very dark and cold last night. Nothing at all like this early summer picture. I can not take a picture of the road at night. Even my attempted 'moon' pictures have failed.
Last night my friend,the road, lay before me, stretching in darkness. I drive slowly at night, my eyes do not serve me well, but I manage. I have weighted the risk and found my desire to see my friend to be stronger. Jean and I had "our" Christmas yesterday. It was lovely. She and my memories are the "home" I find at the lower end of the old river road.
But last night the road had something additional in store for me. Something that has never happened before. And...actually...it happened so fast last night as to be almost 'not' believable.
You only meets a few cars on that road late at night. Except for Friday night when a game is being played at the gym or football field. Then there is a traffic.
As I drove along, radio silent, stars glimmering in the distance, my surroundings were dark enough that the moon made a huge statement, as it hung bucket-like, in the western sky. I was admiring the moon, quite a lot. But I noticed off in the distance a car was coming towards me, beyond a curve.
I lowered my headlight, slowed down even further, keeping my eye on the right hand white line...didn't want to go into the ditch.
There is the house of a retired county police officer just at the crest of that little hill, and it was next to his house the two cars would meet and pass. But what to my soon-to-be-astonished eyes should appear but a lovely, magnificent LARGE male deer! At the almost EXACT instant the front end of my car came even with the front end of the oncoming car, the deer passed between us! It couldn't have been more than a split second difference in timing. It all happened so fast you almost would think you had dreamed it.
The first bound(which I didn't see because of the hill and the curve)took him across the path of the oncoming car, and as my car almost met the other car, he bounded one more time, clearing the hood of my car and making contact with the hillside on my right.
Astonishing! I'm still amazed. A person just never knows what that old country road that leads you home might have in store for you *VBS* A gift from the Universe when you least expect it.

14 comments:

Norma said...

It sounds so beautiful, yet so scary too. When you hit a deer, it does so much damage and YOU could have been damaged as well. I was so glad that the story had a good ending.

Makes you feel like someone reached out of the night and touched you with something very special.

dee said...

Gad, I thought you were going to say you had a run-n with a deer. I'm so glas it was only a vision and not a collision. Drive carefully out there-we need you with us.

Kim said...

Oh my! I'm so glad that the deer, your car and you made it through that in one piece. You're getting quite the collection of color on the right. The thread one is still my fav but those apple look so pretty also.

atet said...

The vision sounds lovely -- but I think I would have been scared to death. I've had too many friends hit deer in their cars (or have deer hit them in one or two cases). Love the "Jibber" that Paula sent you as well -- something to keep you warm as our weather returns to "normal".

Barbara C said...

What a magical (and terrifying) experience. I'm sure it had your blood racing.

Thanks for the wonderful post. While I was reading I felt like I was with you on that road.

Clare said...

What am amzing thing to happen - thank goodness he went over the car and not through it. We need you with us.

Your blog is looking colourful - I've uploaded a photo of a vase of yellow tulips for you.

Joyce said...

THat is amazing but very dangerous too. We have totalled more than one car by hitting deer. Thankfully neither you nor your car were hurt.

Libby said...

*wow* What an amazing sight . . . of course, there must have been a bit of a start. Then just reflection on the beauty of the moment *s*

McIrish Annie said...

You had an angel sitting on your shoulder! Glad you came out of that unscathed.

meggie said...

Hugs & Kisses OOOOXXXX

Magpie Sue said...

Whew! I'm so glad your car didn't *connect* with that large deer! That could have been awful - for you *and* the deer.

Colleen formerly of South Africa said...

I believe in an angel assisting you.So glad you could tell us the tale. Have to tell you I have started my orphan again...hoping to complete before leaving South Africa in about 2 weeks. Colleen

MARCIE said...

You make a very scary incident sound so beautiful! I am glad that it turned out beautiful!

Suzy said...

You have a wonderful blog. I adore scrap quilts as well. Just love looking at them and all the different fabrics that, no matter how different, seem to highlight each other. Happy quilting! :o)