Its different

This winter I find myself with a plentiful stock of patience. To go through these winter days and months, taking each day at a time. Usually, in all these years that I have been in the North-East coast of the US, it has been an impatient, cranky stretch of 90 or so days. Then it was all about complaining at having to wear layers, the time taken to don the scarves and gloves and boots and coats and jackets...never-ending..even if it was for a simple chore such as pick up mail from the mailbox.

This year, I prefer taking it a day at a time. Sometimes the temperatures are higher than usual, sometimes dipping low, sometimes there's snow, sometimes icy rain. And what I do and how I deal with these little changes differs from day to day, week to week. If the temperatures are dipping to the chilly lows, I cut down on the errands to run, make myself some warm soup, light up the fire and nothing could be better than curling up on the couch with a good book, a funny movie or TV re-runs.

On snow days, as the snowflakes drop from the skies above, as I sit in my cube at work, overlooking a wide window, the scene is breathtaking. I know in a few hours, with the pile up, we will get an email asking us to wind up early and leave cos driving can get treacherous. One of the many little surprises that the season delivers, a short day at work. Though it takes thrice as much as the usual commute time, one gets home. Just the warmth that emanates from the fire combined with the warmth of a plan to make some c-o-b soup(cream of broccoli) is enough to make one bring the comforter from upstairs and tuck in.

And then there are the warmer days, warmer just in comparison. When the sun shines brightly, the tempertatures are still low, but feels like a sunny outdoorsy day. One opens the french windows or the front door and gingerly pops half a toe out, to feel the air. Yes, definitely still cold. But the cheery sun tells a white lie. Thats when one brings out the red coat, a cheery matching knit set of scarves and gloves and cap to do some chores, run errands, shop and dine out with girl friends. Its also the best time to buy furniture for the deck and swimwear! So I have discovered. The stores seem to stock up with the latest fashions for spring and summer in the peak of winter!

Which brings me to my closet! I find myself fingering the sleeveless blouses and skirts and dresses in eager anticipation of warm days and open-toed sandals. For now its boots and clogs, shoes and socks. I am willing to wait...for those sunny days...to try out the new clothes I purchased from my India trip...sleeveless, half-sleeved...they all await for warm summer days. I am perfectly at peace wearing full sleeves, flannels, woollens and corduroys. There's definitely something different this winter. Maybe I am a better adjusted person.

How is it today, you ask? Well, I can hear the windchime in the deck from my bedroom upstairs. Its been chiming all night warning me in its dulcet notes that its going to be a windy day. The wind tunnel that passes behind the house has been howling, the bells that chime in my neighbor's have been talkative. Its cold and windy. Time to bundle up and stay indoors as much as possible. And them wind tunnels...it is best to avoid them or keep interactions with them at minimal. There's one at work, leading from the parking lot to the office building. Thats going to be making some noises as well!

Oh, and one more thing, last spring I'd read about planting daffodil and tulip bulbs, my favorite spring flowers. So I had them bookmarked and ready to bed some in good time, apparently early fall is a very good time to do so. Gives the tubers plenty of time to hibernate and stock up on food till spring. I diligently planted some 50 odd bulbs of both varieties. Then I almost forgot about it. Cos you know, when fall brings unexpectedly warm days coupled with an India trip can do wonders to your memory about cold winter days that you wish to avoid. Now with snow and rain and these chilly, windy days....in the midst of brown shrubs and leafless trees, I see some fresh green shoots. I cant tell if its the daffodils or the tulips but the locations all indicates its one of the two. I am in doubt. Last time I heard, these werent supposed to spring till spring! So what gives? Many a morning, I want to tuck them in, pat their young heads and tell them to go back to sleep. Its not time to wake up, yet! One part of me though, is thrilled beyond bits. I mean, for the black thumb that I have been known to have, this is nothing short of a miracle.
Yes, Amma, Miracle-gro works. Aapki daya se :D.

- A bundled up, winter-fresh mint!