Turning it Around

I'm not going to lie, it's been a tough stretch of wintry weather so far. Today is snow day number five. Or ten. I can't remember. These strings of constant storms are not only blocking my memory, but also, quite literally, my view of the world.

Oh, spring will arrive. It always does. It's just that some days the eternal hope of sunshine feels more finite than eternal. Like today. And yesterday. And probably tomorrow. 

I'm trying to turn things around. I am. Despite the snow and dark and cold, despite the coughs and sniffles and the bone chilling effects of cabin fever, I am trying to turn my attitude around. Despite even the forces of nature working in direct opposition of, well, everything good, I am trying to turn the bad into the not-so-awful.

For instance:

I conquered the snow blower this week. The monstrous machine that outweighs me by a couple hundred pounds was the only thing standing in the way of getting to the bus stop to pick up The Third Grader in the middle of a snow storm. Never underestimate the power of maternal love.

The response time of the gas company is fast. Like, really fast. Especially when you call and tell them you smell gas in your house. Props to the nice gas man who came out on a Saturday night in freezing temps to make sure our house didn't blow up. No home explosion = good.

My husband has pretty excellent high altitude balancing skills. Even as I gripped the ladder and watched it wobble against the ice encased gutters while he chipped icicles off the roof with a hammer in one hand and a snow rake in another, he still didn't tumble to the ground. And even if he did, his fall would have been cushioned by four foot snow drifts. Also, this counted as quality time spent together as a couple. Who needs date night?

I now have a thorough understanding of how an ice dam works. So fascinating, really, as all elements must be working together in perfect below-freezing harmony in order for an ice dam to function properly. Where 'function properly' means cause significant physical damage and emotional trauma. Knowledge is power! Or is ignorance bliss?

Water dripping in through the walls may very well be just the tipping point needed to finally get new windows in the spring. And I've always wanted new windows.

Also:

Chocolate is good.

Wine is better.

Summer is best.

I'm trying.