The Doodle in Winter

OK...so it has been a LONG winter. Here in New England, though many feet of snow have moved past us to the south, the dreariness has mostly remained but for a few glimpses of the warmth yet to come.

For Dizzy Doodle, it means slightly less time outside due to cold, wet days, muddy yards, and freakishly exhausted Dad and Mom. He is not happy about that, I'm sure. Yet, he can be bought with treats and peanut butter.

But Dizzy loves winter, and loves to bounce around in the snow. He runs back and forth kicking up the fallen flakes, wearing out what little remains of the lawn. Certainly when its freezing, and his little toes get cold, he will let us know when enough is enough. However, when the weather is right, and the treats are unending, the back and forth with the frisbee can go forever. And forever.

After nearly 57 years, however, I've had it with winter. I am nearly willing to sacrifice all of our savings, our house, and necessary dental work to get to a warm beach somewhere (Aruba?). I will go hungry to save the cash (not really) and make a deal with the Devil, or at least with the ghost of Daniel Webster.

And yet, one would think that coming up on nearly six decades that I'd be used to this, have learned how to deal with, play in it, revel in it. Aside from using the fireplace for a cozy Saturday evening (no, not THAT cozy) all I've really learned is that I need to sleep with socks on, and a shirt as well. I'm also contemplating pajama bottoms. I also get concerned with the price of heating oil and electricity, the effect of snow melt crystals on the cement walk and contiguous lawn, black ice, ice dams in gutter, and...and...whether a silly gopher will see his damn shadow. I actually look forward to the Red Sox truck leaving Fenway for Florida!

I wish my life were as simple as the Doodle's, and I could be happy with a treat and peanut butter. Well, fact is, if you knew me, you would KNOW that a treat and peanut butter is really all I need.

OK. So this whole post is simply an opportunity to whine about winter, and a wish to visit a warm climate for about a week.

Can you blame me? I live in New England after all.