Even though I was allowed an extra half hours sleep, I was unable to use it. A thunderstorm rolled in just before daybreak. As it approached and its rumblings began to wake me up, I first thought one of my amigos had risen early and was rolling a suitcase down the hallway. A moment later a loud boom jolted me fully awake and then a torrent of rain began beating down on the roof. I lay there for a few minutes just to enjoy the storm. After watching some Disney movie (“Fantasia”, I think) one time too many, as a kid, I tend to see thunderstorms as a concert. I love listening as the symphonic kettledrum solo rumbles to a booming crescendo and fades away. I almost dozed off again, but as the storm moved off, I forced myself out from under the covers, my feet to the floor. I willed one foot in front of the other, and, finally, I was up and moving. I had a few pieces left to pack and I needed to get started.
Since I was actually up before my alarm went off, I would have some extra time to pack. A quick glance at my watch told me the kitchen was already open and the coffee was ready. You guessed it – I slipped into some clothes and headed off for a cup of coffee. I was able to retrieve the large travel cup I had purloined the first morning. The coffee had its desired effect and, if I could not enjoy the packing, I could at least tolerate it a little better.
The early morning storm as it pulled away from the estancia.
