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Monday, March 9, 2015

Sure signs it's been a long winter...

By the time I reach the office, I am suffering from sea sickness due to millions of frost heaves in the road.
 
I would rather:  clean the toilet/oven/floss my teeth/dust/vacuum/clip dog nails than do morning chores.
 
You feel a sense of giddiness when the night-time temps do not go below the teens.
 
When you discover that you are still wearing your socks as you enter the shower.
 
The cats are sleeping with the dogs on purpose.
 
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I know I'm preaching to the choir here, but thought I would try to end the Longest Winter in the History of Mankind on a humorous note (Note to the Universe - I'm ending it early.  So sue me.)  It's either that or the fact that the sun is out and it's going to be in the mid-thirties (positive) the entire week has made me lightheaded.
 
I had the usual fun weekend - spending lots of $ at the mechanic, parental duties, a nice visit with my middle sister (yay!), errands, wash, rinse, repeat.  I try to make Sunday a no-drive day, but because of my crap-of-dawn appointment with the mechanic, I had to stretch errands out over the two days.  When I awoke on Sunday (I will NEVER adjust to these idiotic time changes), it was.  Snowing.  I will admit that my usual sunny disposition plummeted into despair.  I mean, really?  We haven't had enough?  And who says we haven't?  The poor chickens and sheep suffered, as I refused to go outside.  I begrudgingly went out at 9:30 and did the bare minimum.  Everyone - furred and feathered included - seems to be exhausted by this weather.  When the snow stopped, I did some composting and then went to the transfer station with my recycling.  Where I met more exhausted, grumpy people.  Then I drove to my friend's house to pick up my co-op order and meaty bones for the dogs.  Then I came home and took the dogs for a short walk.  The poor things were so confused!  We have not walked on leash for at least two months.  Just as they were back into the hang of it, a blizzard appeared and we had to double-time back to the house.  I swear I am going to get one of those baby sling things.  It's too difficult handling two leashes with the drama queen doxie in my arms.
 
I fought back by making a favorite, fragrant dish - Mixed Bean Masala with Golden Fragrant Rice.  When I need comfort, I head toward Indian food.  I love this because it is spicy without being too spicy, stewy, multi-layered, and simple.  I adore the rice - bright, vibrant golden yellow from the turmeric, with hints of bay, clove and cinnamon.  YUM.  I packed up two 'TV' dinners (as my mother refers to them) and put them in the freezer to take up next weekend.  I am expanding their culinary horizons.
 
I also blasted through a book between Friday night and Saturday morning.  One of my favorite cartoonists (from The New Yorker) is Roz Chast.  She penned (and colored) a graphic book/memoir, entitled "Can't We Talk About Something More Pleasant?", that was reviewed on NPR.  I LOVE this book.  It takes the reader - pictorially - through her dealings with her aging parents until their deaths.  It is so honest - funny and sad.  I highly recommend it.
 
I am planning to celebrate this 'new extra hour of daylight' by cleaning out the barn when I get home tonight.  I do know how to have fun, don't I?

19 comments:

Carolyn said...

Since you have nothing better to do, and since it seems Winter will not go away, maybe you should use all your extra time to knit a Pepper Pouch to wear around your coat

Susan said...

Carolyn - I have come to the realization that he despises anything hand-knit. After toiling over a sweater to keep him warm, he spends all his time in it, trying to get it off. I bought a fancy little coat - he loves it. Go figure.

jaz@octoberfarm said...

we are in the 50's here which is way too hot for me already! i wonder if snow is over for the season. teddy is loving the weather though. she has a skip in her step and lays basking in the sun all day!

2 Tramps said...

How can I tell you (as you suffer..) that we hit 70 yesterday - so wrong for March!

I bought that book for my husband to read. His parents are aging out rapidly now and I hope it will help him find humor in some of the sadness. I was thinking about sending each of his siblings one, too. It so helps to know you are not alone with what you are going through and the humor lightens the heart.

Cat Eye Cottage said...

Keep the faith! Spring is coming! I'm sending warm wishes your way as our high yesterday was 72. Don't be jealous though because in August when it's 102 and 80% humidity, I'll be the one begging it to end.

Fiona said...

You do know how to have a good time! I find it nice though to DO something outside when it is nice...and 35 can seem like a heatwave after -15.

Hang in there. My big excitement was I could actually get to the clothesline to hang the laundry! The wading through the snow was hilarious...for Ralph to watch.

Mama Pea said...

We are supposed to have sun all week and temps above freezing. Sounds like we have the same weather . . . good for us both! Lots of snow melting even today already. Could spring actually be trying to give us a teasing peek? Hang in there, friend. Someday (a very nebulous word) it WILL stop snowing on you.

Susan said...

Jaz - Isn't it amazing how hot that seems? I would think that that wooly darling would prefer cool weather!

Susan said...

2T - I feel that way exactly. It does make you feel that you're not an ogre for not being a perfect child. It's so hard for everyone involved, including our parents.

Susan said...

TWH - It must be working! 40 degrees and sunny in the city. Let the mud season begin!

Amy Dingmann said...

Girl, you sure know how to have fun!

The thing that keeps a farmgirl who is stuck in Endless Winter is the promise that Spring always comes. Winter can't last forever can it?

Not helping? I didn't think so. Hang in there and give 'em hell! :)

Susan said...

Fiona - That is what I am waiting for - being able to reach my clothesline! Right now the snow is still over my knees and drifted up so far that the clothes would drag through the snow. But, soon....

Susan said...

Mama Pea - Hey! Do you think? I don't think we're forecast for snow until Friday night - it's better than nothing, but I will be very happy to not see it in the weekly forecast at all. It's getting downright like Minniesoda down here!

Susan said...

Amy - Yes, we do! I get so impatient this time of year - I want to go out and start my garden. Of course, I can't see it yet, but I do believe that I'm beginning to see the outline of my raised beds. Progress!

MrsDuncanMahogany said...

We hit plus temps this weekend (and all this week too) here on the Canadian prairies. I saw someone (teenager) wearing shorts today. A bit premature, but hey ho, when you haven't seen plus temps since October, one tends to get a bit crazy! That recipe sounds mighty delicious, I would love to get a copy. I love, love, love Indian food!

Susan said...

We are having an early spring. Cherry blossom are out in some sheltered areas. No bees yet which is going to cause some pollination problems. Frogs are starting to call for mates. Hardly any snow in the mountains and no rain for three weeks-usually still pouring. The change in the natural scheme of things makes me anxious. Do I know how to cheer a girl up or what?

Susan said...

Mrs DH - I got the recipe from my favorite online recipe source - the kitchn. If you go to their website (thekitchn.com) and search for masala, it will come up. If you'd rather, just shoot me an email and I'll send you the link.

Susan said...

Susan - Oh, cherry blossoms! When I first moved here, there were frogs all over the place. Now, they are scarce. I'm sure it's the gravel pits (two) and all the traffic and pollution. It does seems that things are topsy-turvy in our world.

Unknown said...

A baby sling, that's funny. Just cut a tail hole :)