Messengers of Spring

This winter has been particularly rough for me.  I don't think it's wise for me to go Outside in the winter.  Oh, it's nice to get a break from the cold and dark, but it doesn't do my psyche any good.  I've spent the last couple of months swinging like a pendulum from depression to anger and back again.  Depressed that it's been SO DAMN COLD, and then angry that by the time summer gets here it'll be over in a flash and then I'll be back in the cold (which triggers the resentful depression).  It's no different than other years - well maybe just a bit, since this year we had a record number of days below zero in January, and we're working on record snowfall - but it's worse because just a short while ago I was walking around in shorts and t-shirts, and wearing my jacket was often too warm.  Now I can't seem to get warm, can't go outside without several layers (and I *still* get cold),  can't seem to beat the winter gloom.  But the end is in sight.

Visits from my sisters, headed to fish camps, are one of the signs of spring.  It's a treat - I almost feel like it's a reward for having endured another winter.  Plus, I *love* to see my sisters!  I didn't have a whole lot of time with either of them, but a few days is much better than no time at all and years between visits.  I'll take what I can get!!

Sara wanted to make goulash, go to Bear Tooth for dinner and a movie, and go to Turnagain Arm Pit.  We made two of the three things happen - and will try to work in a trip for barbecue when she comes back in September.  It's going to be an exciting, alarming, growing summer for her and I'll be sending support and love vibes - and working in a trip or two, if I can.

Not even a week later, Jeannea was here to visit.  Yay for more Sister Time!!  We had some friends over to visit and "help" Jeannea practice what she's learned in massage therapy school.  She did mention that she needs to build up strength in her hands - and there are more than plenty volunteers that we can drum up for her!  It's also going to be a crazy-busy summer for Jeannea, so I'll be sending support and love vibes to her too, I just can't go visit.  =(  But she'll be back to see me in August, so I'll be content with that.

Now if only the snow would melt so we can get through the dirty part of spring and on to the green, growing, warmth of spr... I guess by then it's pretty much summer.