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Dog sledding along the Lake Michigan shoreline
Click Here for my January 2009 Slide Show
Even for the winter purists (count me out), one of the greatest joys of living in the upper Midwest has to be thrill of waking up on February 1st — metaphorically turning the page on the coldest and most unpleasant part of the calendar year.
Pacing in houses and offices like zoo animals in cages and running from front door to car door we bide our time. Waiting, as January, in its arrogance takes 31 calendar days. Why should a new year always be greeted so rudely?
Nonpartisan, this relentless and intrusive visitor, saps the spirit like a chill wind snaking its way in under a poorly sealed door.
After January, perception and reality change. Windshield scrapers, road salt and snow days are still a part of everyday conversational exchanges for a few more weeks. But, everything points up from here. Daylight and temperature make their inexorable march upward toward July lifting the hopes and mood of those that bear witness to their indelible stamp.
So here’s to you January … I toast your mind-numbing boldness and your desolate landscapes. But most importantly, I toast you as I watch you disappear in the rearview mirror of 2009.
Click on the link above for my January 2009 slide show. Music by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong.
KK
2 Comments so far
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Very good piece of writing, which integrates an imagery second to none. A beautiful essay, also exquisitely complemented by the delightful soundtrack…
Comment by Mauro Metallo October 24, 2009 @ 9:49 amI really, really enjoyed it!
Thanks for the kind comments, Mauro. Unfortunately, we’re again headed toward the time of year when one has to adapt to and make the best out of the conditions … or move out of town.
Kurt
Comment by kidigital October 26, 2009 @ 2:33 pm