The colorless, soul-destroying days of winter are well upon us. The bone-chilling temperatures that bring aching joints and foul dispositions have taken up residence, unwilling to show mercy.

The trees have divested themselves of the beautiful leaves that so recently clothed them. They stand defiantly naked in the face of the chilling rain and wind. The fragrant roses so recently planted around the back porch are now a distant memory.

The sun refuses to show his face most days. He reluctantly shares his meagre warmth with no cheer at all.

Occasionally I see a bright flash of cheery color. The haughty cardinals, in their vivid red plumage, visit the bird feeder out back. They share the bounty with their cousins, whose names I don’t know. A smile creeps back onto my lips. For a moment or two my disposition is decidedly more cheerful.

December is nearly half finished. A consultation with the Old Farmer’s Almanac tells me that this winter will be warmer and wetter than normal. That gives me a glimmer of hope for an early reprieve. Hope that Spring may be closer than I think.

Perhaps after I’ve slept seventy-five times I’ll once again plunge my eager fingers into the soil. Seeds will be given a hopeful burial and seedlings will grace the garden in anticipation of fragrant beauty. The apples, pears, peaches and figs will share their bounty.

Once again, we will enjoy colorful, soul-nourishing days of summer. The joints will ache less, and my disposition will improve. Hopefully.

Thanks for joining me on this journey. I appreciate your support, your likes, and comments. You make blogging worthwhile to me.

Merry Christmas to you all, and a very happy New Year!