Winter in Chelan

I recently returned from a short trip to Chelan, where I spent time with some dear friends.  I had planned this trip so long ago, imagining we’d be skiing and snow-shoeing.  However, the weather was mild, if not warm, with an occasional pick up in the wind to remind us that it really still is winter.

I took the Amtrak Bus from Seattle to Wenatchee and Leslie picked me up from there.  I knew there was only a dusting of snow in the mountains and that warm weather was predicted, but still,  hopeless snow-optimist that I am, I carried my skis and poles with me alongside my luggage stuffed with ski boots and winter wear.    I lost count of how many people asked me, in either a curious or derisive manner:

“So where do you plan on skiing?”

“Where’s the snow?”

“Do you know somethin’ I don’t?”

“Your kidding, right?”

“Nice skis!”

There was no skiing, but it was an important visit.   I was there for my friends who have experienced great losses within the past three weeks.  I was simply there, to fill in the cracks, to provide support, to be a friend, to offer yoga to ease away some of the anxiety and pain that comes with loss of loved ones.  One day I cooked and cooked and filled their home with smells of Sicily, hoping to provide some of the emotional nourishment home-cooked foods can impart!