Playing for Time

***

Hello, and how’s your year going so far? Does it still feel “new” to you, or have the same-ol’ same-ol’s set in? I hope your intentions for 2024 are holding and that you’re encouraged. I boldly set five Intentions this year, not to be confused with Resolutions. Broke one before the holiday weekend was over, but I swear it wasn’t entirely my fault and the other four are maintaining… so far. The little oops still teeters precipitously, but don’t we all need that one thing that kicks us in the butt and keeps us on our toes? Motivated? Moving forward? Okay… so on we go.

How’s your weather? I ask because we’re part of Operation Deep Freeze 2024 here, and it’s exactly what we requested … a true winter. The reality is, of course, that after a certain number of single-digit days and subzero nights the cold permeates our concrete, steel, brick, and glass building, giving it an ill-tempered vibe that isn’t present any other time of year. This month’s electric bill will leave a mark because even with the fireplace switched on during all waking hours, the furnace can’t keep up and my little under-desk heater has no effect unless it’s close enough to set my socks on fire. Not complaining. Let me say that again, I’M NOT COMPLAINING. I have the sweet option of NOT GOING OUT THERE, but whatsoever gods there may be, those entities need to protect all living creatures whose home is open-air right now, s’all I’m sayin’. Wind chills in the -30 range are the real deal, and #lfk’s homeless population is in no way prepared for this. AND, sometimes I see a bundled-up citizen walking a dog that has no protection on its feet from the frozen sidewalks. I worry, I fret…

… and it’s snowing again. I love it. Try not to use those words against me, thx. It’s very cold out there. I went with Kim on a dead-battery mercy mission after lunch, and then to the grocery store, and was instantly reminded how we dress around here in the winter, and why. Layers, you need layers, insulated layers, because the shocking cold penetrates very quickly, all the way to the bone. There are too many human beings right around us without adequate clothing or shelter for this kind of weather. I worry, I fret.

**

And speaking of worries… the things we fret over…

**