Senseless, random acts of kindness

Be careful what you wish for, you might just get it – all at once.  For several years folks have been praying for moisture which is so desperately needed in our dry, arid desert country. This while others on both the west and east coasts are enduring horrible floods.
Well, it seems an answer to our prayers came falling from the sky last week – and falling and falling and falling. By the time it abated, we had nearly 18 inches of snow piled up here in the valley.  
On Pine Ridge/Old La Sal, those folks were measuring in feet.  I’m not sure of an accurate measurement, but I heard reports of three plus feet. 
Requests went out via La Sal’s Facebook page for “help” in plowing out. On day one, some folks just had to hunker down and wait.
One family owns a tractor capable of doing the necessary plowing, but could not because the machine was totally buried in snow. I mean, it was nothing more than a big white mound.
School was virtual at La Sal Elementary as it was for all the “mountain” portion of the school district.  This included Ms. Shupe trying to conduct virtual learning over her cell phone while stranded by the snow.
The new proprietors of our little La Sal Store live in Old La Sal, ergo the establishment did not open the day of the big snow.  Proprietors were snowed in at home.
Hopefully folks had a supply of necessities like milk, gas and whatever to see them through for the day.
Citizens could be seen out and about trying to help neighbors open driveways and walkways or just checking to see that neighbors and friends were safe and sound and warm.  
I saw one good friend trundling down the county road on their tractor.  It did not have a blade, so plowing out was not the motive for the trip.  I think it was just the surest mode of transportation at the moment.
The white stuff remains in heaps and piles as the temperature dropped to arctic levels (well it seemed that cold) a couple of days after the wonderful, deep snow.  Lows were at zero some nights and never got above freezing.  Some days it did not even get close to nearing freezing for the high.
There were a few complaints about vehicles being parked in obstructive roadways and gates.  Not enough space was left to move around them.  Not sure what some folks were thinking parking where they did.
Speaking of Es’ La Sal Store, they announced new opening hours this week which includes being open on Sundays.  
I’ve lived here for 50 years and this is the first I’ve ever known it to be open on Sunday except for a few days during hunting season one or two years.
Well, a little culture is coming to our village this week.  For some at least it is considered culture – maybe rednecked culture.  
Darrell Holden who is a Cowboy Poet will be doing a recitation of some of his own poems Thursday night (that is probably tonight if you are reading the paper in hard copy).  It gets underway at 7:00 p.m. at the Community Center.  
Mr. Holden has been invited to participate in the prestigious Elko Cowboy Poetry Gathering, which in these circle is quite an honor.
Mr. Holden is no stranger to Sierra La Sal as this is a favorite hunting area for him and his family.  In fact, he has stated that he loves it here and would like to set up residence in our area. 
We’d sure welcome him.  Come on out and enjoy a social evening.  He is even bringing his own refreshments to share.  Can’t beat that.  Hope we don’t get snowed out. 
Stay warm whether you stay inside or out.