Winter desolation

Happy New Year!

Barely an hour old in these parts, 2008 has arrived. We had originally planned on welcoming the new year with friends; but two bouts with the flu over the past few days eliminated that possibility.

My wife had a miserable day yesterday; just as I had on Friday. She thought she might rally for an early dinner at Clyde's, but that didn't happen. Instead, I was dispatched to pick up a movie or two and bring dinner home, which I was happy to do.

After stopping at Blockbuster, I drove the rest of the two blocks to Clyde's so we could have our dinner and eat it too, so to speak. Clyde's still has its elegant Christmas lights up, simple white strands that drop off the main wire like icicles.

Inside, everyone was in a joyous mood. The new year was nearly upon us. As I walked out, I was happy to hold the door for an older woman, who wished me a happy new year. Walking to my car, I caught a final glimpse of the beautiful lights, never noticing that I was probably underdressed for how chilly it was.

Then a thought popped into my head: How much longer would the lights be up?

Certainly not much longer. At the time, there were about 30 hours left in the holiday season; as I write this, it's less than 23.

What then?

Two and a half more months of winter, with the accompanying lower temperatures and higher snow amounts. All without the festiveness of the holiday season.

The drudgery of winter, a sort of desolation. That's how it feels now, anyway, when spring seems so far off.

It'll get better. The wrestling season will move on; before long, it'll be February and I'll be tied up for four straight Saturdays, culminating in trips to Chesapeake and Salem. Once that's over, baseball begins and spring will be at hand.

Finally.

How far away it all seems.