JANUARY 29, 2005 Winter in Coastal Georgia

Unlike many of my friends, acquaintances and colleagues, the winter weather wreaks havoc in my life. Being ill prepared for freezing temps, things get extremely quiet here when the temps do drop below freezing. Many businesses, likewise, are forced to shut down.

We have had several consecutive nights of temps dipping into the low 20's. It is necessary to leave a faucet running to prevent major plumbing issues. Personally, I opt to run a sprinkler on a bush that I've been trying to eliminate for 10 years. It makes for an appealing site the next morning, icicles on every branch, with a nice sheet of ice around the base of the bush. I've posted a couple of pictures of this "extravaganza" at the end of this post. But those I've made mention of earlier will probably scoff at this. Hey, but that's okay.

Having been fortunate enough to obtain all three extended versions of the Lord of the Rings, I've loaded my DVD player with them and have immersed myself into a marathon of Hobbits, Wizards, Orks, Elves and Dwarfs and men. It's a fair assumption that I've totally enjoyed every additional second that has been incorporated into the "theatrical" version. Things left unclear become crystal. Things that were cloudy are no longer shrouded in shadow. Man, I hated that this series has ended. After developing a kinship with all the characters, it has been much like losing a best friend or beloved family member. I felt the heavy burden of the ring, the passion of Samwise, as well as the steadfastness of Aragorn. At the same time I both despised and pitied Golum, but the sense of relief as he met his demise was overwhelming. For me, the most moving single line of the film was spoken by King Aragorn to the 4 little hobbits. "My friends, you bow to no one!" Wow! Then as all present bowed before Frodo, Sam, Pippin, and Merry the emotion overwhelmed me and...what's this? Is something in my eye? Why is my throat tight?

I guess that set me up for the endings. Each of them powerful in their own right. But an uplifting message made for fine fare.

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