In the Bleak Midwinter

You know it's bleak midwinter when your color photos come out white, black and brown. Sometimes my thoughts come out that way too, to match the landscape.

I have been too distracted to write on this blog lately, and unfortunately, the distractions are unwelcome, such as the one concerning the threat of drastic changes at work. Since I choose not to discuss work on my blog, my readers are spared the details.

On a day like today it is more challenging to find things to appreciate. But I did catch a glimpse of my dog looking like a frog on a lilypad, basking in the sun flooding through the windows. It's good to live in a house with southern exposure, I see. I didn't even think about that when I bought the house. And speaking of the house, I have a 4.5% interest rate on my 15-year fixed mortgage. So I'm not one of the many homeowners who is now rushing to the bank, desperate to refinance.

The garbage truck just emptied my trash container. That may not sound too impressive, but I read recently that public trash collection was the most effective disease control policy ever undertaken.

The sun shines today. Being of Irish decent, I much prefer gloomy skies, but I tell myself that we need sun to live. Not only does it heat the planet and grow the vegetation, but the benefits of vitamin D are well-documented. And word has it that sunlight improves people's moods. I am going to assume that my mood will continuously improve with every moment the sun shines today.

The birds found the food I left for them today. On days like this, bitterly cold and snowy, I worry about the birds. They found it immediately, and their chirping sounds oddly upbeat for a day like this.

My furnace works- a big plus. It's pretty old, and today's a good day to have it working. And while we're discussing house mechanics, I have a lot to be grateful for in that category. There are no pressing issues that need to be addressed. Sure, the bathtub faucet leaks, the garbage disposal issued its death rattle several weeks ago and the gutters drip, but none of those things really matter. I've lived here 7 years with no major expenses. Hurrah!

Then there's the newspaper. It's delivered every day, no matter what, unconditionally. There's something comforting about that. I may be one of the last people in this city who actually reads the paper version, but I like it. And I read with scizzors nearby, in case I want to save anything. Today's newspaper featured fascinating stories about tax rebates, mortgage rates and frogs in the salad.

I'd continue counting blessings if I had time, but I must leave for work. And that's a good thing....