Always grousing about the weather

Bridgwater Forest

So, it is late November as I write this column and there is not a flake of snow on the ground.

Even the decorated planters at my front door are snowless — well, if truth be told, that has nothing to do with the weather and all to do with the pesky red squirrel who decided to use my ‘fake snow’ for nesting. Each day it has found its way up the stairs and helped itself to some of the snow but, unlike the bird feeders in our backyard, it will soon be disappointed, as the snow will not be replenished. With the cold, I guess I don’t really blame it.

Enough about the squirrel. Let’s talk weather. Please tell me the following confessions don’t single me out as the only person who does these things:

• I like to put the Christmas lights up in October because it is milder and easier on my fingers. I also admit to enjoying them as soon as we have turned the page on Halloween;

• I find the period between the dropping of the last leaves and the first snow fall depressing;

• I look forward to a white Christmas but it can then all melt on or around Jan. 1 each year;

• I prefer snow to the cold but I hate shovelling;

• I have three pairs of winter boots. Each is a different height and cold rating and I hate wearing all of them;

• I dream of a major snowstorm — the kind that socks you in and everything grinds to a halt. Just a dream, but I know that it can quickly become a nightmare should it actually happen;

• I love and appreciate the changing seasons but admit to grumbling about each. Too much rain, not enough rain, too hot, too humid, too cold, too much snow and now — not enough snow. And so it goes.

There is no doubt that the changing seasons bring both joy and challenge and we often have Mother Nature to thank. That said, I — like many — strive to focus on the joy to be found within each, particularly at this time of year.

December has arrived and, in our home, it means Christmas carols and feel-good movies, shortbread cookies, mince tarts and candy canes, bright lights and holiday decorations, the scent of pine and most importantly; family and friends.

As you nestle in and keep warm over the holidays, I wish you and yours a joyous season, one that warms your heart and most importantly; that it be a merry ‘white’ Christmas.