Weathering the Storm

I could feel the storm coming in my bones. That old arthritis kicking in again. And then--two feet of snow!!!!! I love New York for many reasons, but conquering this much snow was going to prove difficult. As the snow came down, heavier and heavier, in addition to the increasing pain, I could feel a growing excitement. We hadn't had this much snow since I was a pup.

So there I was, stuck between wanting to stay inside, warm and cozy waiting for the snow (and arthritis pain) to subside and the desire to be out frolicking in the snow as I did back in '96 when I was relatively younger. Two feet of snow doesn't come around too often. Oh the dilemma. Do I miss out on a life experience because of some aches and pains? I pondered this over reading Moby-Dick. And once again, Ahab gave me courage. But Ahab is always Ahab, my friend. He always conquers that whale, even if the mighty captain is ultimately killed. I looked out at the gathering whiteness and thought, "Twas rehearsed by thee and me a thousand years before this ocean rolled." Lost in reverie by the fire, I was content to contemplate Melville, and all sorts of great philosophers.

That's when a certain youngster a year younger than myself (that's seven human years) stopped by and challenged me to a snowball fight. Now I've seen this dog grow since he was little. Back in the day, I could really take it to him, but as time passed, he grew and grew and somewhere along the way, passed me by. Now one would think that common sense would prevail and the old arthritic dog would say maybe another time my friend, but alas, my bravado took charge, and out to battle the youngster (and the weather and the arthritis) I went.

After a prolonged conflict (four minutes and twenty seconds to be exact) we were back inside to warm up (his idea of course) and give those creaky joints a rest (a little sore after my overwhelming victory). I ceded victory in the snowball fight, but knew my efforts to be valiant, regardless. Sometimes it takes a storm to remind one how sunny it usually is.

Call me Creak.