Snowy eagles

It’s been awhile, so it’s about time I wrote something, particularly to end the year.
I arrived back in Wisconsin on December 17, a day later than I had planned because I missed my flight. How did I miss my flight? It's complicated.
Half of the year there is a 2 hour time difference between my home and Argentina. The other half of the year, thanks to daylight savings time, there would usually be a 4 hour difference. This year, Argentina decided not to change their clocks, so there is a 3 hour difference. When I bought my flight, daylight savings time had not taken effect. Later, they notified me that my flight had been changed to an hour later in order that I would arrive in the US at the same time. In the craziness of wrapping up things in Argentina, I somehow missed that they had changed the flight back to it’s original time. I guess I should have checked that more carefully. For a variety of reasons, I also was cutting it close getting to the airport on the 15th so I ended up being 10 minutes too late to board my flight (due to having to go through customs and security and all). Fortunately, they put me on the next flight the next day so I spent another day in sandals before arriving in a winter wonderland.
Coming home was a bit strange. It doesn’t feel as much like home as it used to because I know that right now I belong in Argentina. Plus a lot has changed while I was away. (Little things add up to a lot.) Anyway, it has been exceedingly wonderful to be among family and friends again. And I do love a white Christmas.
There’s something about snow that is special. A gentle snow fall in the silence and stillness reverberates in the soul. The peace and solitude of witnessing that moment is something that caresses the spirit (or what ever you want to call that part of you that is more than matter, more than biochemical reactions). Pondering the flakes, so unique in design and miniscule in size, astounds me, especially because when trillions stick together they can stop traffic and shut down entire cities. It’s amazing.
I went running over the snow covered river path in Baraboo and saw 9 eagles. Six were all in the same tree (3 pairs!). It is majestic watching those big birds swoop from a tree and fly through the air. Even perched they are regal. Seeing them reminded me of the verse in the book of Isaiah. “But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not grow faint.” This time of year with the holidays, everyone seems to be rushing around trying to do as much as they can. As for me, I was able to celebrate a simple, quiet, traditional Christmas with my family. I hope you find renewed strength for the coming year! Happy 2010!