When a big German Shepard barked at a man teeing off on the 12th hole he backed away slowly. A wise move.
"In these back country farms areas there are just two things you need to worry about: dogs and tornados," Nicole L said while we were out jogging. I never grew up with these concerns. In my youth when unleashed dogs rushed me in the open grassy fields I instinctively froze and watched under a trapped breath, feeling my heart pounding in my ears thinking "just let it sniff me and run off" and I walked away cautiously keeping an eye on him.
Looking up into the dark skies with little flickers which loomed in the distance, I said not to worry...we'd be home sweet home before the that storm hit us. With a third of a mile left however the thunder was right over us and light rain flicked at us on our backs.
We heard the siren go off at the Homestead Golf course which we were about to pass and decided to make a beeline for the clubhouse instead of chancing it amongst the light show around us. Lest we turn into two ashy crisps. We were thankful we did because moments later the rain was a downpour and thunder was roaring.
The Van Knife Family built these links in 1965 but had been farming here when they homesteaded it since 1814. Grandfather Dolan was the first to put a stick our hands, claiming golf was the gateway to success in a myriad of business connections, however my desire to run cross country and track and field prevailed. Nevertheless, grateful for the lessons he imparted. This is truly a game against yourself. Years of hooked and sliced balls saw only marginal returns. Labors (of love?) without fruit. Farther in law kicks my butt every time we play so I am grateful when we play Scramble and can be on the same team. Homestead is close by and we frequent whenever we are visiting and we love it.
After 15 minutes of waiting the rain was still strong, but the lighting had passed. Nicole said "this might be one of those clouds that just hangs around!" I took my chances in the rain, running as fast as I could. "Don't dillydally and hurry back with the car."
Runners are not often respected especially if we have to share the road with cars. Cars don't like slowing down for us and vice versa, but it is an unwinable battle so the best we can hopeful for is civil discourse.
I didn't recognize him in his white SUV at first. The man inside had given me a thumbs up that I had mistaken for the middle finger as the vehicle came to a slow down probably to tell me to get on the grassy shoulder. But I was running full speed and had to think about picking up Nicole. After the car went past it hit me, oops that was my father-in-law, and my ride back home! Thankfully he pulled around at the end of the road. I hopped in his car, got out of rain, and we picked up Nicole.
We laughed when it was all over, warming ourselves on a hot bowl of chicken and vegetable soup. read more
