Dreary Day

The rain assaults my window as the wind howls through the trees surrounding our farm. It is a gray and dismal day causing even the cheeriest soul to wither into solitude. As the blustery weather continues beyond the confines of my home I feel fortunate to be sequestered in my warm cocoon. Even so, I sense that the circulation to my extremities is not what it should be. My toes are so cold I can barely feel them and my fingers refuse to obey the signals sent from my brain. My knees shriek out in protest each time I bend or straighten them and the bursitis in my right shoulder is definitely responding to the foul weather conditions. After my burst of energy yesterday when I tackled the bathroom cabinets, today brings a depression that makes it difficult to even perform the most menial task. A cup of hot tea sounds delicious, but the basic and simple chore of running the water and punching the microwave button just seems too challenging at the moment. I've always been quite self sufficient, but at times like this I think Scarlett O'Hara's mammy would be a great addition to our family. She would tuck a blanket around my shoulders, bring me a cup of tea brewed to perfection and coo words of comfort in my ear. I wouldn't have to be assailed with the bitter north wind as I opened the door to let the dog out ... she would do that for me. I think I'll take a nap and dream of the old south where the magnolias scent the air and the weeping willow trees gently sway with the breeze. I'll be sitting on the wide veranda sipping a mint julep and the rays of the sun will be tanning my pallid skin. Wake me when the Iowa sun is shining and my tulips are blooming.