Dreaming of pleasant weather

It's only January. At least three more months of miserable weather lie ahead. As one author put it, "Winter is nature's way of saying 'Up yours.'" Writers and poets have little good to say about winter. Those of us who prefer to live life naked second the motion:

"Spring, summer and fall fill us with hope; winter alone reminds us of the human condition."

~Mignon McLaughlin

"I like those cold winter days. Days like these let you savor a bad mood."

~Bill Watterson

"Winter lies too long in country towns; hangs on until it is stale and shabby, old and sullen."

~Willa Cather

Crank up the thermostat. Put on clothes, at least a T-shirt and socks. Outside the only thing naked are the trees. Passing these dark months keeps alive one's hope for spring and summer: the pleasant vacations, the nude strolls on the trail, the skinny-dipping in the lakes; the sunning on the beach, the sheltered comfort of one's backyard. So let's wonder lies ahead in warmer times as we await the winter's passage.