Oh, how I love seeing black pavement. The snow banks and drifts have given way to asphalt and sand. My tires have traction and there is actually room for two cars and pedestrian plus dog to pass each other safely along the way. I admit, it makes me a bit giddy to step on the accelerator and pick up the pace.

Until, ba-bump. You hit it and it rattles your fillings. Oooh, that was not good.

This poor pavement, covered in snow and ice for so long is showing the signs of a very long winter. The cracks have gotten deeper and those soft places have given way. Somehow even on the through-ways and parkways there are pockets of craters that look like there has been a strafing from above. And whoa, when you hit them going full speed, you know it. No time to dive out of the lane. Your suspension is crying foul. Your alignment is gonna need some attention.

But then, that’s the way, isn’t it? Life deals us storms that we do our best to avoid, but some catch us unaware. Or, we just can’t swerve in time. Those are the ones that leave us grateful we know a good mechanic. A careful front end alignment, and we’re back on the road.

Lent, this season before Easter, seems such a time. A time to visit the mechanic and see how the old buggy is handling after the rough winter. I can compensate with my steering, but if my alignment is off, those tires are gonna pay for it.

I guess I have those potholes to thank for this. And the snow. It’s hard to believe I am thankful for all that snow.