the sunshine of my life

for awhile there it seemed the sun had gone out (not to scare a co-worker about that scenario).

we hadn't seen much sun in ages, it seemed. the last time dawn and i saw substantial sunlight was jan. 19-20 when we went to chicago. after we left michigan and made the turn around the lake, it was blue skies. of course there were negative temperatures to deal with, though.

but up here in holland, there been so little sun since that mid-january time period. i really can't remember having a whole day of sun. it must have been in december. that's saying something.

however, the past few days, we've had plenty of sun. i woke up about 9 yesterday and rubbed my eyes, surprised to see a ray of light hitting the doorway of the bedroom. i was somewhat surprised because the douches on the tv said we'd have lake effect snow until 4 p.m. wednesday.

i got up and, no, there was plenty of sunshine. i was elated. my walk to work was good, although blinding because of the light reflecting off of the snow. still, it felt good to have the sun come down. when i came home for lunch i went outside and took some pics of the icicles hanging off the house.

today, once more that same ray of sunshine hit the spot on the doorway. this is good. it appears the sun will continue to burn.

the sun, despite the 20 degree temperature managed to melt the snow off the driveway and some snow from sidewalks. (though walking home last night, there were thin sheets of ice cracking underneath my boots as i walked over them.)

i love winters up north. the snow manages to enclose everything. sounds get muffled and you seem to be alone in a vast universe of white. snow covers tree limbs, ice forms on the lakes. it's beautiful.

even the cold is fine. properly dressed and thre's no problem.

this year it's been daunting because it's snowed close t 100 inches. more than i've seen in my five winters up here. shoveling or walking to work has caused much consternation, cursing, falling, slipping, sweating and a plethora of other unpleasantries.

one of the worst, though, is the lack of sunshine. you don't really know it until you see the sunshine, but you miss it. your mind misses it. i wouldn't say i get depressed, but after week upon week of no sun, it takes a toll on the body and mind.

so, ra, do your thing. take the blues away, my friend.