36 Degrees *Groan*

It's 35 degrees out this morning... Freakin' winter!

The trees around here are starting to get that barren look, where all the color disappears and all that's left are gray sickly twigs. This is all I'm going to see for months and months, just gray and barren tree lines... Freakin' winter!

I'm not the type to be in the need of anti-depressants but if I was, this is the time of year I'd have to start taking them because just the thought of all that color being washed out of the world and being holed up inside to stay warm makes me want to cry... Freakin' winter!

This winter could be especially challenging because my daughter, who is perpetually cold, will want the fire on 24-7. Then there's myself who is swinging so violently, from one hot flash to the next, I've got my own personal global warming crisis in effect. Watch tv in the family room with the fire place cranked up? Doubtful! Sit for any minimal amount of time with my laptop on my lap? Puhleeeease! Drink tea? Eat soup? I start to perspire just thinking about it (perspire sounds so much classier than sweat doesn't it?)

Wait, why was I complaining about it getting cold outside again?

Spring... Glorious Spring!!!

The weather around here can give a person a serious case of whiplash. It's difficult to believe that last Sunday evening we were faced with a major snowstorm. Tonight my daughter and I walked the golf course in short sleeves and delighted in the feeling of a mild breeze against our cheeks. The dog enjoyed a merry romp and the spring peepers were nearly deafening as we walked along the marsh.

It's Spring... I'll gladly give up an extra hour of sleep for longer days and later nights. It's as if a tight knot in the base of my soul, which took form after all the trees had lost their leaves sometime in late November, has loosened itself and now the strands which held it together flutter freely in the soft spring breeze.*

*I know, such a difference from my last post but the mild weather has me feeling all poetic.

Those Poor, Poor Robins...

Just when you think it's time to celebrate the magic that is Spring, the world turns all snowy and miserable cold again.

Lately my expression looks a lot like the Robin Red Breasts I've seen around our area. Confused and a mite pissed-off. I mean, poor Robin... Where in the hell are you gonna score a worm when the earth is crusted with an inch thick layer of ice? Here's a word of advice dear Robin... Go back from whence you came!... And if it's warm and sunny there please take me with you!

I've spent the last few days hunkered down at home... Sitting by the fire and cursing what I sincerely hope to be the last blast of winter. My son was born on April 7th to a dusting of snow, so I know it's possible we could see more of the cold white crappy stuff. I don't always hate snow... I just hate it late in the season and especially when it accompanied by ice and freezing rain. I'd swear it's taking a toll on my psyche as I've been feeling flu-like for the last few days... Run-down, tired, aching all over... Like the cold has at last sucked all the strength from my bones. I need sunshine and exercise... A good dose of fresh air... The kind of air that doesn't freeze my face, make my nose run and make every muscle in my body tighten in order to maintain warmth.

I'm whining, I know... And nobody really likes a whiner but this California girl has had enough... Let it be Spring Already!

Frozen Things

Zak went out on the back deck and took some video of frozen things:

(The video may take some time to finish the uploading process.)