A Funny Thing About Asheville, NC

They don't plow when it snows.

It snowed a foot today. It started early in the morning and went on through dark. The temp hovered in the low 30's but never below 32. I was out driving from noon to 5 and realized that no streets were plowed. Not I-40. Not I-240. Not US-25 or US-25A. The Blue Ridge Parkway was closed. Cars sat diagonally on major streets because they couldn't make it up gentle inclines. Even with the amount of show, the streets would have been quite manageable, if they were plowed. Finally, after hours of backtracking and wondering if I'd get stuck, the unplowed driveway to Mom's apartment complex was what got me. I had to park on the side, along with the other 10 vehicles, and trudge up the long hill. After living through New England and Kansas winters, I was astonished that this city of nearly 79,000, did not plow its streets.

It was pretty though. By the way, those round objects in the photos are not orbs. Just snow.

Magical Visit with Sam in Chicago

I visited Sam in Chicago from Dec. 7-12. The weather was frigid. Sam and his sweetheart Lisa showed me a very good time. Sam has become quite a fine dancer and is in stellar shape. Lisa is a professional dancer and they perform well as partners. Just like when I'd visit Sam at Oberlin, I found myself inspired and hopeful for humanity.

Where Sam and Lisa Live

It's 4000 + square feet, the third and top floor of a building located at Ashland and Archer. It's the neighborhood where "The Jungle" was written. It has 6 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a nice kitchen. Heating is a problem. The building is for sale, $875,000. Sam lives with 6 other Oberliners, who want to buy the building and turn it into a performance space. Any investors?

Sam, Lisa and Teddy Impromptu Performance one Night

Sam and Lisa Dancing one morning

On Chicago's Fabulous Mass Transit System

Sam and Lisa took me out on the town, including a terrific vegetarian restaurant, run by followers of guru Master Sri Chinmoy. I was delighted to learn that followers also have a restaurant in Seattle called Silence Heart-Nest, in Fremont.

Downtown Chicago

Millenium Park, Faces Statue, "The Bean"

Impromptu Dinner Party

Mostly Oberlin Alumni, residing in Chicago

Flight from Chicago to Charlotte

In the first two photos you can see downtown Chicago. I think that's some of Indiana in the third one.