Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Expecto Patronum



The dregs of the holiday season are never a lot of fun for me, especially, it seems, this year. It's very cold for DC, and Brother Wind has been in the foulest of moods. Yesterday the wind was like a cold dagger, really mean. Of course I took my walk anyway, because I believe it's important to spend time outdoors no matter what. But the walk was uncomfortable, lackluster.

Not only was Brother Wind sarcastic and cutting, but the landscape has assumed its wintry monochrome. There are still random piles of dirty snow in the tree boxes, but mostly the land is beaten down and muddy looking. All the leaves are gone. I of course took pictures as I walked and cursed at the wind, but none were in any way interesting or appealing (hence the pics of Eastern Market accompanying today's post.)

Add to the dreary landscape and time of year the fact that both of my roommates have colds. Actually one of them is very sick with the flu. They soldier on bravely (or is it denial?) but as you can imagine, they're not a lot of fun to hang around - but that's not their fault. Oy vey.

Though I'm enjoying writing my resolutions and watching Harry Potter movies, I'm definitely not feeling cheerful. The end of 2009 is like a gathering of Dementors. Guess I'll head out and buy some dark chocolate today.

Oh well. It'll all be over soon.* 2010? Bring it! A.S.A.P. Thanks.

*My favorite line from the film Titanic.

21 comments:

kbrow said...

Expecto Patronum is a great title for this post! Trying to find warmth in this cold grey landscape, and more rain is on the way. At least you got snow...

NanU said...

Bring on the dark chocolate!
I'll bring you some of the good stuff in April, when I'm there for the AACR.
This cold, nasty time is just there to make you appreciate the better times. I lived for years in San Diego and we'd complain every time we had to wear long sleeves. It was rare to go outside on a lovely day and actually notice it was a lovely day. Complacency is a terrible vice.
Enjoy your cursing (it's good for you! Scientists say so!).

Barry said...

We're suffering through the same monochromatic doldrums with none of the promise of NanU arriving in the spring loaded with "the good stuff"!

Mrsupole said...

It has been cold here, well cold for us anyway, and the sun has hardly been shining. We might get some more rain in the next few days which is great. But it totally makes us appreciate our sunny days. Most things here are still green and flowers still growing, but more are dying each day. The good news is that before we know it "Spring" will be back and the cycle of life will begin anew.

Just count down the number of days till spring and all will seem right in the world. I love spring, it is my favorite time of the year.

The Indian Market looks pretty interesting, I hope you had fun there. And sorry the roommates are sick, I hope they get well soon. Maybe the warriors need to help them. Or they need some of that soup that you made. Get Welll Wishes being sent their way.

God bless.

JOY said...

Yes, why do these few days in between Christmas and the new year's arrival have a pall over them? They are cold nameless days with empty intentions. Is it the waiting? The anticipation for the calendar to turn? I'm with you, let's get to it - pronto!

Cyndy said...

This cold weather is really getting to me too, especially the wind and lack of sunshine. I sure hope your roommates feel better soon and recover from their colds without passing them on to you!

Reya Mellicker said...

Unfortunately I believe I passed my virus from last week to them. They have not fared as well as I did ... yikes.

NanU - perfect pep talk. YEAH!!

April is so beautiful here, even on the stormy days.

OK, back to Harry Potter. xx to all.

Nancy said...

This holiday season has seemed difficult. Now the end of the year is going out with the same lack of good cheer. Goodbye 2009! Let's get on with a much better 2010.

Meri said...

Do you know that some yahoo legislator in my home state (Washington) is actually talking about making chocolate a taxable, non-food item? May foul winds blow on him constantly!

Reya Mellicker said...

That is insane.

steven said...

dark chocolate is a sweet support system to fall back on when the going gets tough. i stayed in yesterday because the wind was lazy - i started out but it blew through me instead of going around me! i figured with my body type being closer to that of a leaf than a tree i'd better stay where i was. today is all shades of grey. a subtle loveliness. have a peaceful dc evening. steven

glnroz said...

hope you have a have new year. this year has been a challenge. I hate winter.. lol

ellen abbott said...

We're having an early and cold winter which is usually what happens after an long hot dry summer. I've had my fill already. Driving through the countryside to the little town where I had my meeting today, it is all so dreary...empty fields, no green to be seen, no activity, everyone hiding indoors.

Reya Mellicker said...

Traditionally I love winter, but not until after the holidays. Hiding inside, doing my sketches and writing and reading blogs, watching movies, cooking ... I love all that! It's just the holidays. Dang, man, I just don't like 'em!

Tom said...

ugh..between work and holiday visiting and napping i've somehow survived my round with the bug and actuallly got out for a walk with Toby...this is the first time i've looked at blogs in a couple days...if i had a magic wand would have fast forwarded to next year already...come on 2010! Happy New Year!

Tom said...

ugh..between work and holiday visiting and napping i've somehow survived my round with the bug and actuallly got out for a walk with Toby...this is the first time i've looked at blogs in a couple days...if i had a magic wand would have fast forwarded to next year already...come on 2010! Happy New Year!

Tom said...

ugh..between work and holiday visiting and napping i've somehow survived my round with the bug and actuallly got out for a walk with Toby...this is the first time i've looked at blogs in a couple days...if i had a magic wand would have fast forwarded to next year already...come on 2010! Happy New Year!

mouse (aka kimy) said...

although I'm not at all sad to say adios to 2009, I'm still in a tizzy about how the end got here so fast!!!

cold, boy do we have cold!!

happy new year reya!!!

ah resolutions - I find myself flirting with the idea of having some new year resolutions for 2010. but like the idea of trying to make resolutions throughout the year.... not that I'm good to keeping/maintaining them with my 'system' - but I'm happy to report that I just made good on one last month that I 'made' in 2007!

have a bit of dark chocolate for me!

Lynne said...

After all the hype about Christmas it's always a let-down once it's over.

So, I'm all for trouncing this year and the whole past decade. Stomp, stomp, stomp. So there you miserable (if we listen to all the news recaps which I am just about sick of) decade!

Since we only have two more years according to the Mayans, I guess we should try and make the most of it.

If only people would stop trying to blow each other up we might succeed.

:)

Happy Blue Moon New Year, Reya dear!
XXXXOO

Rosaria Williams said...

Did you say chocolate? Well then, we're in for a good time. Add some brandy, and you'll be warm too.

Melissa said...

Yes, I agree, these days are hard to dredge through. I am fortunate to live in FL, the days are beautiful here right now. I am a sun sign, so I need the outdoors to keep me going.

The glitz and gluttony of the Holidays... I can only bear so much. Will be glad when a new change comes.

Happy for the Blue Moon this month. Happy New Year to you. Thank you for all your thought provoking posts. I do enjoy learning from them.