We enjoyed a fabulous afternoon listening to Paul Winter Consort at Hill and Hollow, a stunning property in the Adirondacks. He played music inspired by and with wolves, whales, and a wood thrush. His soloist, Theresa Thomason, and ensemble were world class. We laughed, we cried, then we almost died.

We were headed home on the Northway when we saw police lights fast approaching. At first, we thought they were where they should be, on the other side of the highway. Then we realized they were coming straight at us, while we were all driving 65 mph. And they were chasing another car.

Tim slammed on the brakes and pulled over. I closed my eyes and braced for impact, but we avoided it. A head on collision occurred between two pick up trucks right next to us.

Two troopers jumped out of their cars, one with his gun drawn, as he approached the wrong way truck and got a man out of it. Sheriffs and EMS were on the scene immediately. One of the trucks caught on fire a few times.

It did not turn out well. A helicopter arrived, but then was not needed, because a passenger in the truck next to us succumbed to her injuries.

We sat for several hours while they cleared the stopped traffic behind us and eventually let us turn around, and drive the wrong way for miles on the Northway to the first crossover to the other side.

We bought two lottery tickets on our way home.

Today, I plan to listen to nature songs. Life can change in a flash.