Winter

I don’t like winter, so I was shocked to see how many people were out shopping yesterday in spite of the cold, ice, and OHP warnings. I’m not sure what they thought was so important about shopping the day after Christmas, but I watched their actions on television from the warm comfort of my couch.

I did however venture out today, despite the fact that I felt grumpy and tired.

I will not admit to being sick. I will only acknowledge that I woke up feeling “not well” and that it took me about half an hour to be sure that I would not need to return to bed. I took my usual remedies, forced myself to do a few chores and finally managed to feel better by noon. I went out for a couple of errands, returned home for a nap, and am now convinced that what I experienced today was my first bout with “winter house” allergy. I know many of you complain about a variety of symptoms in the winter that mirror mine. I get a terrible headache, stuffy nose, watery eyes, cough, and feeling of lethargy if I stay inside for more than a few days.   I have learned over the years that this is caused by a combination of heated dust, dry air, and lack of water. I usually sleep with a humidifier but have not done so for the last couple of nights because of the extreme cold. I will most certainly turn it back on tonight! I also need to take my antihistamine and drink more water. I tend to drink too much coffee and tea and hot chocolate when I’m at home. I know you did not need a detailed account of my condition, but I offer it as a suggestion for those of you who may think you have a cold, but don’t seem to get well in a few days as one would expect. Many people don’t think they have allergies in the winter because all of the vegetation is dead.

People in our county are either crazy or extremely hardy souls. I went to Walmart this afternoon and although I realize that I may have felt more chilled because I didn’t feel well, I was just flabbergasted by the sight of so many people who were NOT wearing a coat! One woman walked out of the store in a t-shirt and walked at least halfway across the parking lot before reaching her car. She didn’t appear to be the least bit cold, while I was shivering in my sweatshirt, coat, and gloves!

The only bright spot in the day was watching the birds. As I said, I fell asleep on the couch after my return from Durant. I usually fill the bird feeders around 4 o’clock, but was an hour late today. However, just as they usually do, flocks and flocks of birds appeared within five minutes after I got back inside the house! How do the birds know that I have put out their dinner?

No, winter is definitely not my favorite season. I don’t like to be cold. I don’t like to be sick. I don’t like to be afraid to drive. But this too shall pass and I am already thinking of warm spring walks in the garden. 

Comments

[Megan]

I am so glad to know you aren't sick. I hope you grow even more not sick tomorrow.

BTW: My four year old came zipping home from a playdate next door sans socks and snow boots. And gloves. And coat. We have 8 inches of snow on the ground. Yes, the sidewalks were clear. Yes, he ran "super fast." But, my children are now Utah children. No coats, no pants, so shoes. No problem.