A Quick Word of Gratitude

Here I sit, mid-morning on a blustery work day. I'm still in my flannel pjs, but I've gotten a lot of work done, including a load of laundry.

People ask me if I miss working in an office. Some days I miss the give and take of co-workers, but I don't miss getting up and out on cold mornings. The "team" I really miss no longer exists. We've all moved on to other adventures.

I'm so thankful for the support of friends and family who've cheered me on and allowed me to do good work from the comfort of my den. With smooth jazz playing, the cat dozing and laundry in the dryer.

The Value of Winter

I'm not a big fan of winter. I'm not someone who feels particularly deprived when we don't get snow.

I don't like bundling up to go outside; scraping my car; feeling trapped inside. And then, there's the sun rising later and setting earlier.

But, here's the thing: In order to get to spring, we have to make it through winter.

Even though we're still in early February, I'm already noticing -- and embracing -- spring's distant signs. More sunlight in the morning and afternoon. Birds singing as the sun comes up. A few yellow blossoms on my hedge of winter-blooming jasmine. A friend posting on Facebook about Cadbury Creme Eggs.

We haven't had a bad winter here in Roanoke, Virginia, but it's been a cold one. And I'm ready for it to exit stage left. The groundhog portends an early spring, so be gone with you winter: don't let the screen door hit you on the way out.