Some days...

Sometimes my days start out like this:At least I am not the one in the big truck and being a mother does not require head to toe neon.

See, even on a bad traffic morning there is a silver lining in all those clouds.

Sun Favorites

I just downloaded approximately 5,000 pictures onto my computer than have been languishing on the external hard drive, waiting for some long overdue attention. Since it is still cold here, don't smile to broadly all my Texas friends, I thought I would turn on the visual heater and call up some warm memories. A random assortment of warmth:

Jubes and I at Kinderdijke in the Netherlands.

Sun shinning through the passage at Knowth burial mounds in Ireland.

Belgium triumphant on the Cinquantinaire Arch just a short walk from our house.

The harbor in Split, Croatia.

Fall sunlight on the Japanese Pagoda on the Royal Grounds at Laeken.

Pictures at the Flea Market--my destination of choice on sunny days.

Matthew and Julia on the beach at Etretat, Normandy.

The Sea of Galilee.

Toledo, Spain

Kyaking on the Lesse River in the Ardennes.


Proof that every so often, bathing suits can be worn in Belgium.

Bring on the spring.

SDD

I have made a discovery. I have SDD.
Although related to the more famous SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), SDD is less recognized and often goes undiagonosed.
I also have SAG, but that is personal.
SDD, Seasonal Defective Disorder, causes mental defects during the darkest months of the year. These defects include confusion (I can't remember if I need to get dressed today), selective memory loss (mostly in relation to New Year's Resolutions and household maintenance projects, oh and unpaid parking tickets) and general lethargy (Can someone put in the next DVD for me?).
Unlike SAD, SDD vicitms remain rather chipper and good natured in their defective period. Unfortunately, their families members often suffer periods of depression and hopelessness.
Recovery is sudden and usually coincides with a 7:30 am sunrise. Sometimes any sunrise at all will shock the victim into partial recovery, but beware of relapse caused by susequent gray, cold mornings.
These symptoms often mimic the behaviors common to 11-13 year old boys, however SDD sufferers rarely forget to bathe and generally change clothes daily (unless they are stuck in a pajama rut).
It is usually only after recovery is well underway that victims recognize the patterns of defectiveness that are completely obvious to those closest to them. Family support is essential in these fragile times.

Sunrise tomorrow: 7:24