Why I Love Winter

Without benefit of a Walkman (do they even make them any more?) I listen to bird chatter as I do my daily cardio workout. I enjoy the mockingbird the most, especially a mature one with a huge repretore of confiscated bird calls. While I'm panting away (my doctor will be so proud of me) I have time to think because I don't have a t.v. in front of me or NPR playing on my car radio. Ten minutes into my walk and I'm drenched with sweat (I'm not sure if any women in my family ever looked dewy, a polite southern woman term). That's when I begin thinking about why I love winter so much. Winter is nice. And cold. The trash bin doesn't stink while it's waiting a week for the next pick-up. I have fun deciding whether to wear matching sweatsuits or contrasting ones. And my special indoor winter olympics: chugging hot toddies while watching marathon war movies on the Movie Channel (I don't know why I like war movies, they just fascinate me. Now would you like for me to babysit your children?). Lots of fun too watching the cars and trucks trying to make it up the hill in front of my house. If I really wanted to I could make a fair amount of money selling hot chocolate to all those frustrated 'hill' victims. And there are other benefits too. I save on deodorant! and I don't have to shave my legs! Also, heat used to cost less in the winter than cooling in the summer. At least that's the way it used to be. I'm not sure about that one now. If anyone trash talks winter to you have them talk to me. I'll set them straight.
When we're fortunate enough to have snow, the deer will come out and are surrounded by the golden glow of light cast by the security lamp. It's as though the deer feel heat from the light as they huddle together. It's breathtaking and always makes me wish I could share such a perfect scene with someone. And those are just some of the reasons I love winter but now I have to get off the computer and take another shower because I'm SWEATING!