We interrupt these fond vacation memories...

... to bring you a harsh dose of reality. More than a dose, a blustery dumping, to be accurate.

Two weeks ago, we were in sunny Texas. Sure, as we waded in the Llano River in Kingsland, it was a bit windy and about 10 degrees cooler than we would have liked...

but in retrospect, the weather conditions were beautiful. Because now, we're dealing with this:

More snow, whipped into a frenzy by crazy gusting winds. School was called off early for the kids, and no travel was advised for a few hours due to white out conditions.

Two weeks. 1,300 miles

Just a bit of a difference.

A difference I don't like.

A side note about the storm - it really has been more about the wind than the snow, and the wind started last night. At bedtime, all of a sudden, the front door blew open. The kids had been playing outside earlier and must not have pulled it completely shut when they came in. Gus stood a few feet from the door with his head cocked at a weird angle as if to say, "Well, this is curious."

But amazingly, he didn't try to sneak outside. I quickly shut and locked the door, thankful that I didn't have to chase the dog.

This morning, the wind continued. When it came time to let Gus out in the backyard, he instantly tensed up. A piece of cardboard had blown up against the fence. How scary. And leaves were swirling around and all of a sudden one of the leaves touched his leg. Gus went nuts! He barked and barked until at last I coaxed him into the house.

In other words, front door blows wide open - piques his curiosity. Leaf touches his leg - major barking fit. Perhaps it's time we reviewed with Gus what his job is supposed to be.