All this winter weather has prompted me to reflect on the fragility of the human condition. Sipping my coffee in my cozy robe and gazing out my best friend's picture window one snowy morning in Blowing Rock, it was humbling to watch all the tiny little birds and critters scurrying around the feeders who somehow hadn't frozen to death the night before. Without our shelter and our layers of clothing, we surely wouldn't last very long on our own out there. My mom says that birds actually have a type of anti-freeze in their feet to protect them. How do all these little creatures survive? It's pretty incredible.
On my way home tonight, as the snow came down, I saw a black cat running across the road to a bush. Even if I were able to catch him, I doubt he would fully appreciate his captivity even if it was a warm respite from the elements. Their survival is impressive - skills and instincts we humans cast aside not too many generations ago. In the grand scheme of things, our temperature range for survival is only a tiny sliver on the thermometer. How fortunate we are to be safe and dry and warm. in houses with our loved ones and all our technology and conveniences. I didn't invent them or build them, , and in truth, I really didn't do anything to "deserve" them, but I am grateful for them.
Insert a moment of gratitude.
If August encompasses the dog days of summer, January, February, and March are the bitter days of winter. For the most part, the holidays are over, and it is the most difficult time of the year for me to trudge through. On cold days, all I want to do is curl up and hibernate until summer returns. I know. Some people are energized by the cool weather, but me: I was born in the summer - and summer has always been my favorite time of year. In fact, my favorite night of the year is Midsummer Night. I'm always cold anyway, so I long for the days when the air on your skin is a gentle caress that doesn't chill. I love to go swimming at night and still not feel cold. I like wearing a tank top and a pair of shorts and not feeling the least bit chilly - when it feels like even the air itself is alive. (I don't love the bugs, of course.) Not surprisingly, I'm really more of an indoor girl, but I love the longer days and the happy colors. Mom and Dad have a screened in porch which is the best of both worlds.
So during the winter, if it's going to be cold, it might as well be snowing so I can hunker down and avoid the brutality of ye Ole Man Winter. Bring it on. I'll be curled up, hibernating with my cat in front of the gas logs until about April 30 or so, regardless of the Groundhog report issued in a couple of weeks. I guess it's a good thing I don't live any further North from the Equator. If I had the money, an extended trip to the Bahamas would be in order right about now...that is, if my flight to Paradise wasn't cancelled due to snow.
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