No Woods Walking today. For a person with wanderlust, the ice has brought a change. Christmas assimilates us. We become immersed in the season. There are Christmas movies to watch. Christmas places to go. Christmas people to see. Then comes now. January Ice Storm. A change that will not last. Change is the theme of life.

Have you a special place you visit? A special food or drink? A friend you confide in? Do you have trouble remembering when you stopped eating the special food or drinking the special drink? Do you recall when you and your special friend took divergent paths?

Adjustment is the key to success. Flexibility is important.

The path was lovely, sunny, dark, and stormy as Billy B walked along. He sang and danced in the Sun. He hid from the night. In the storm, Billy B sought shelter. The mountaintop had a spectacular view…the valley had long shadows.

So we feel the pains and fears of change. Many are buffeted by all of the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune we experience yet have no one who has their back. There is no quick turnaround from being hungry and ill-clad against the cold.

‘Here is your cot,’ Kind Lady said. ’30 people are sleeping in this room so be careful if you have to get up during the night,’ KL continued. ‘You must be out by 8:00 a.m.,’ she said.

Horace remembered when he had a nice home. He was warm and well-fed. Horace worked at University. There was little change…until there was. Budget cuts took his job. Horace could not find another. His wife left him and took their daughter with her. Horace enjoyed a drink or three after work but had always been able to control his thirst…until dramatic change pushed him from his sense of place. No longer was he a manager. No one seemed to know his name. Soon he became one of the faceless voiceless unseen on the cold streets of Chicago.

Miriam held Anna close and wrapped the old blanket around her tightly. The ice kept falling. The awning provided some shelter against the frigid rain. Broadway Theatergoers walked along the boulevard with cashmere overcoats and waterboots. ‘This weather is terrible Rodger… I would have preferred another night to see the premier,’ Daphene said with a frown. ‘You know how I hate to get my hair wet,’ Daphene continued. ‘I hope our seats are front row,’ Daphene sighed.