Hurricane Henriette

The photo shows dawn at San Juanico, Baja Sur. Who would expect a hurricane?

Flexibility and patience are two habits I try to instill in my students each year. These two skills come in handy throughout life. If you start practicing them when you are young, you'll be all-pro by the time you are my age. As we speak, I'm trying to be patient. I'm wondering if Mrs. MacHardy forgot these lessons in my first grade class at Rutland Town School. In traveling, as in life, unforeseen things arise. We should be willing to make adjustments, concessions and compromises. Especially when the all-powerful Mother Nature is at the helm. Like now, a hurricane is approaching the southwest coast of Baja, Mexico. Hurricane Henriette is heading our way. We think. They've posted maps in the cantina to keep us informed of the situation. Some folks say we'll get none of the weather and all of the swell. If we get the weather, the "sub, sub par" road back to the "mainish" road could be washed out. As far as I can tell, "hurricane potentially coming toward you" is a sure sign to me to get the hell out of the way! I'm positive Harmless Hurricane Henriette has no qualms about wiping this idyllic fishing village off the map. That frightens me. I appreciate being on the map. I'm looking forward to further voyages on this big map in the fall/spring. It became obvious that I'm the worrier in this relationship when we were discussing our options and I said "doesn't hurricane mean leave?" Peter grudgingly agreed. My worrying is an ancient Niedermeier trait that I've "luckily" inherited from my Dad. I appreciate his passing on of his athletic prowess much more than the worrying gene - especially since I'm married to the man who is NEVER worried.

As we wait, I'm nurturing my patience and flexibility until we have to decide what to do. I'm trying not to snap too much at Peter's relaxed outlook. Since surfing this afternoon, I've done approximately 30 NYT Crossword puzzles (I think I might have set a new speed record, I've got to call Will Shortz...), written a gadzillion pages, and I've even shaved my legs. Now that's patience and flexibility if I've ever exhibited it! If you're having trouble seeing it, try shaving your legs in the "sitting room" of a weathered VW bus with helpful tools such as a dog dish of lukewarm water, raspberry shaving cream, a sand-dulled razor and baby wipes. Got the image? Now I'm sure you agree that I learned something, somewhere along the line about patience and flexibility!