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Wednesday, February 26, 2020

Snow in February


Roaring winds bend frozen trees
Wind chimes dance along
White winter brings us to our knees
As nature sings its song
We huddle under blankets
Through the dark of night
When dawn breaks we look outside
At a sparkling frosted sight.
We sigh and take a welcome sip
Of our steaming brew
Knowing soon we'll be part of it
We've got shoveling to do.
From 2/15/15

Winter morning cold and gray,
Thus begins another day,
Rain is forecast for the eve,
If weather forecasts we believe,
We cannot change what weather comes,
We must accept it and carry on.
From 2010




Normally, these poems would be appropriate to our area in February.  This year, however, we have not had much snow, ice or freezing temperatures with roaring winds. I'm glad of that! I know that we could still get a period of typical winter weather, but as we're at the end of the month, and the sun gets stronger every day, it wouldn't last for long.  It's not that it's been very warm; most days are in the 40's, but above freezing for the most part once the sun is up.


When I was growing up we almost always had deep snow in February.  I remember being outside with my brothers sledding and building big snowmen, building snow forts and having snowball fights and making snow angels.  I don’t see many snowmen any more when we do have deep snow.  I guess kids around here aren’t spending much time outside playing in the yard, with so many ways to spend time on electronic devices.  We also used to have a week off from school in February around Presidents Day, it was called Winter Break.  Some families went to Florida on that break, and I used to envy the tans they all had when school resumed.  They had spent the week in the sunshine and warmth, while I was home playing in the snow with my brothers.  Now I’m glad when we don’t have snow, as shoveling it, and putting down ice melter so we don’t slip and fall are not as much fun. One thing I do miss is taking a walk in the snow.  I used to go out for a walk when it was snowing, with my mother when I was young, and alone once I was grown and out on my own.  There’s something peaceful in the falling snow, whitening the landscape, and falling softly on your face.  I used to stop and look up into the sky, staring until I felt like I was a snowflake floating in the air, destined to land softly on a tree branch.  Sometimes I’d like to try that again, but the softness of the couch and warmth of a cup of tea and a snuggly blanket usually beckon me more than my boots and coat do. 

Every season is different, as is every year. I’m happy this winter season has been mostly snow and ice free.  The older I get, the less I enjoy wintry weather, especially if I need to go out in it.

Wednesday, February 12, 2020

Thoughts on Dreary Weather, Mondays and Fridays



This weather is quite dreary,    
It’s dark, and dank, and damp,
It’s making me feel weary,
And nothing like a champ,
Sun, oh sun, where are you?
You hide yourself away,
Please come back, light up the sky,
And brighten up our days!

               We’ve had a string of cloudy, rainy, dark and chilly days this month, and it’s been extra tough to get going in the morning.  We drag ourselves out of bed, and move zombie like through the day swilling our favorite caffeinated beverage in an effort to feel alive.  My brain feels foggy during those strings of dank days and no amount of caffeine really clears it.  I try turning on all the lights in my house to trick my brain into thinking the sun is out, but it doesn’t really help.  I still just want to curl up on the couch under a blanket and snooze.  When we finally have a sunny morning it is amazing how much energy I have!  Even if it’s very cold outside, as long as the sun is shining I can get motivated to get things done.  I guess I’m solar powered.

Tomorrow is Monday for real,
I’m not really sure how to feel,
Back to routine is nice,
I’m not seeking advice,
Friday seems a much better deal.

Friday, O Friday!
At last you have dawned,
You signal an end
To a week Sunday spawned,
It felt never ending,
Each day looney and long,
But at last you are here,
Let us hail you with song!

               I think we can pretty much agree that Mondays are hard.  I know I live for the weekends lately because weekdays start early, and I must function before I’m ready to be fully awake.  On weekends I can laze on the couch with coffee and a bagel for a while before getting on with the obligations of my day.  Weekend coffee just tastes better somehow, and having some time to linger over it and daydream or read for a bit feels like Heaven.  I do find that I long for the routine of the workweek when I have too many days off in a row, but it’s those early, busy mornings that get me.  Fridays it’s easier to get going because I know that in a few hours I’ll be done with work for a couple days and can turn my attention to more pleasant pursuits. I look forward to Fridays a lot.  Too bad it’s only Wednesday.