I used to think that winter was a lovely season with snow on cedars and naked deciduous trees. I loved the left over fruit clinging to the long, bare limbs of snow berry bushes and crunchy grass silvered from the frost. I liked being snug and warm indoors, reading a book or watching a movie with one dear soul near me while the earth chilled outside. Right now, I'm tired of this cold weather. I can't wait for the witch hazel to bloom or to see the first crocus push through the ground, a yellow or violet beauty promising warmer days ahead. I'm so ready to shed this heavy wool coat and feel the sun on my arms and play catch at Boulevard Park. I want to hear the morning chorus and the frog song again. I want to wear sandals without getting frost bite.

Ugh, I think I've finally caught it. That bug many in the Pacific Northwest get from November to February that I never understood until now... Winter gloom.

Yeah, weather control cannot come soon enough.