Winter has been long and cold (for our part of the world, that is). It seemed like 4 months of darkness and rain. The only heat I have in the office is an 800 watt radiant electric heater that I keep right next to the computer and turn on for maybe an hour in the morning. Otherwise. I wear 5 or so layers of clothing: cotton, silk, and wool. A homemade Merino wool scarf and wool hat, sheepskin Ugg boots, and fingerless gloves complete the early morning attire.
In running each Tuesday night, it was chillingly cold at the start of each run, then invariably feet wet from the puddles. In the evenings we were going through firewood at a good clip.
Then the world suddenly changed. The rains have diminished, the sun has been out (a lot), the hills are a verdant green, life is more relaxed. The time change has helped. It’s also my time of year, born in late April. Last week I ran on the beach to get warmed up, then swam across the channel and ran on Stinson Beach. I was almost ecstatic with the sunshine and blue water, running in and out of the white foam from the waves. The beach is the interface of land, water, air, and sun, a powerful chi generator. Red-winged blackbirds are chirping their Spring notes, and a robin has been warbling melodic triplets. Spring has sprung!
The best part about winter is the contrast it provides to spring, summer and autumn. I'm reminded to be grateful for every glorious day, especially the sunny ones. PNW perspective = rain is the norm.
Fond farewell dear wintertime, thanx for the rain. Thurs the 25th north across the gate at dawn in freezing windy rainy conditions, then calm in Mill Valley, more rain in Tiburon, sun in Corte Madera but cold, ad then finally warm sun in San Rafael… could this really be it? The motorcycle sure hopes so. I guess if it is I should say that was a fine farewell dear wintertime. Now bring me the sun… Wooohooo! doesn't get any better than springtime by the bay!