The Shape of Things

Two good signs that the long, dark winter will soon be gone: On my walk to the bus stop yesterday morning, I saw one of my red-tails. This means they're back, repairing the nest for another year of raising young. I've missed them. And, a small swarm of ladybugs accosted me this morning. Other things have gotten totally bizarre/crappy and aren't nearly so cheery, but I can't make myself care today. These are the two things to which I cling.

Gutter and Downspout, Rock & Ripped Leaf

The only thing that gets me through the winters here in this part of the country is knowing that summer will arrive. Almost June now, and for weeks, weeks, weeks the temperature has rarely approached even 70 degrees and there is simply rain, rain, and more rain. The ten-day extended forecast remains uninspiring. I keep waiting for a sign, a hint, an omen, anything that promises warmth and sunshine and summer. My toes long for liberation, Gore-Tex makes me feel uncomfortably claustrophobic and I'm tired of contemplating the mysteries of my umbrella. My seasonal affective disorder lingers and I grow impatient. Ever, ever impatient.