Long cold Winter

Winter this year has been a typical northern Michigan winter.  Long, cold, snowy, dreary and sunless.    I think it seems worse this year after such a easy winter last year.  Since the second week of December we have had less than 5 days of sun and only 3 days above freezing.  This is according to my inaccurate records but I notice the weather several times everyday as I head outside to care for the chickens.  I also have S.A.D. and spend time each day in front of my Sunbox to keep me going when there just isn't any real sunlight to be found.  Right now the hate of all things winter hinges on the facts that 1) no sunlight, 2) very very cold outside, 3) wind that is gusting snow, 4) today half the chickens eggs were frozen and cracked in half, 5) all the pine shavings in the coop have frozen into an unchippable hard layer.  My family is not in agreement with me as they are looking forward to ice fishing.  I understand but I am dreaming of planting, gardens, flowers, dirt and chicks.  I know the winter and cold are needed. Last year we had way too many bugs that did not die during our unfreezing winter. So I do know winter and cold are necessary things but I for one am ready to wish this long cold winter goodbye.....and it's only January.

Life as a wife and mother, along with all the other hats I wear, seems to be filled with moments where I just want to yell "Is anyone even listening?".  I know that while I have a bit of a unique personality, this is not a feeling that is unique to me.  It doesn't matter what situation you are in, it happens.  Sometimes we just need someone to listen.  Sometimes we just need to vent and say something.  I am not good at it.  I want to be listened to but when everything and everyone is silent waiting for me to "say something" it just isn't going to happen.  So this is my way to say something...whether I am heard or not.  It helps me think, put things in perspective and then see things just a bit clearer.  If what I have to say strikes a chord, feel free to join in and add you voice.  

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