Friday, January 20, 2012

What Doldrums?

When Jacquie commented on the Big Fun we had at Mr. Dibble's house on New Year's Day, she said,

I think this might be the first ever Ellie post that is entirely 100% indoors.. not even a window to the outside! Winter is weird.

Jacquie momentarily forgot the two other posts about that day -- when we spent all afternoon outside on the beach, and then when we spent all evening outside around the fire looking like hellraisers.

(Jacquie did write further: "Okay wait, I take it back. There's a kitchen window.. and either a window or a glass front cabinet behind the couch. Incidentally, when I enlarged the busy snacking photo to check for windows, I couldn't help but notice that the guy next to you appears to be sleeping. Or dead*.")

*[he wasn't.]

But you know what? Jacquie's right: Winter is weird.

Last week when I was at the pool a woman was innocuously asked by another, "How are you?" "Eh," she replied. "January's not my favorite month."

"Not your favorite month?!" I thought, "So you just live through an entire month of your life answering 'Eh'"?!

I mean really. That is a terrible attitude.

I know January's not the best month; I know that. I know winter's not the best season; I know that too. It's the worst season. It's weird for the love of pete.

But still. At the moment? It's all we got.

Plus, look at all the *fun* one can have in one small winter month:

New wine glasses*! (Also from Homebound Treasures, Beth.)

*[Okay, so I agree everyone would be a lot more happy if they were full, not empty.]

Sun! And open kitchen doors! In January!*

*[Okay, that was a few weeks ago, when we had a warm day. But still, it was January.]

Kale, white bean and leek soup! French Onion Soup is not the only game in town 'round these parts.*

*[It may not be the only soup in town, but it's the best soup in town.]

A breakfast visit from one of my oldest* friends and her two spectacular daughters!

*[Noelle's not old; it's our 38-year-old friendship that's old.]

But do you know what one of the very best things about January is?

It's not my birthday!

Which apparently makes no difference at all. Because I've received not one . . .

I *love* them, Jennie.

. . . but two . . .

I *love* it, Julie. 

. . . birthday gifts this January.

What Winter Doldrums?

8 comments:

julie said...

: )

Me, You, or Ellie said...

Love that painting! Our sister julie? How grand. Great post, and I admire your courage if the face of weird winter.

Xo

Jacquie

JS said...

I want to see photos of the glass and glass straws in use, that's what I want to see.

Me, You, or Ellie said...

Mr. Kneeblood, you just stick around for the "Doldrums? What Summer Doldrums?" post in about six months.....

E.

(And thank you, Jacquie. We're very very brave. And summer-like presents help.)

Mom C said...

Are you sure it wasn't me you overheard in the pool? Eh, January, altho you make it look not so bad. love, mom

Me, You, or Ellie said...

Oh, Ellie, this post is so you. So positive and sunny and good and optimistic and, you know, half full-ish.

I, like Jacquie, admire your courage. I don't think I have it in me anymore. Although the treasures to be had at Homeward Bound might help a bit ;-)

Love you sunny gifts. Might just have to pick something up for your myself, because, well, you know what's next: February! (gasp)

xoxoxo,
Beth

Me, You, or Ellie said...

for you, pick something up for you.

Noelle McElaney said...

I, too, make sure to note with my daughters....Ellie's friendship is one of my "longest" versus Ellie is my "oldest" friend...an important distinction as my upcoming February birthday is my last in the 40's! What a wonderful time we had with you! Thanks for your sunny take on winter!