Last year, about mid-October, we went to Indiana to watch one of my nieces march in a band competition. We had anticipated typical Fall weather, so we packed for every contingency: lightweight pants and tops, and sweaters to layer, along with jeans and jackets and gloves and boots.
It was a good thing we had taken all those clothes because the morning of the competition was frigid, and by the time we were seated in the stands of a high school football field (on metal stadium seats), the temperature had dropped, and it looked like we might see the first snowfall of the season. I was really concerned for the girls in the color guard because they had to be freezing in their lightweight costumes.
So, what are the chances that we would hit similar conditions this year, when both my nieces are marching? We drove to Fort Wayne for the competition. It was COLD!! At least this time there was no threat of precipitation, but the wind was nipping at us. We had two lightweight flannel throws wrapped around Elegante Mother and we huddled together to stay warm.
In a former life I used to be a band director, so you’d think I’d be used to a little inclement weather, but that was a LONG time ago. It was a joy to see the girls march, but I was relieved when we could return to the car and warm up.
This seems to have become a traditional trip, driving the back roads of Illinois and Indiana to see the girls march. We have three years of these competitions left. I plan to have my entire winter wardrobe along next time, and I bet you that it’s sweltering out! What are the odds?

We’ve been unusually busy at Chez Buffy the past few weeks. We’ve made it a habit to visit with my youngest sister during the fall. She and her family live in Indiana, so it’s not a major trip, but we wend our way through the farms of Illinois and Indiana and it takes us anywhere from four to five hours to make the trip. Normally.

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