The First Flakes of Snow

We are in the midst of a little cold snap here in West Virginia. I’m still sleeping with the window open, even though the night-time temps are getting down in the twenties and last night was supposed to get as low as seventeen degrees. The house was toasty warm and I was so grateful for my new bootie/slippers. We cooked. We watched the History Channel and learned more about the Titanic and other historical mysteries.

Remember I told you I took a video when I was making the pie this weekend? I tried to process it and post it from my iPad and started getting the message yet again that it is full. I downloaded the video to a thumb drive and transferred it to my laptop and created a beautiful video. Only problem is, if you’ll also remember, our internet is powered by two possums and a squirrel and I’d say the squirrel has given up the ghost. There is no way I’m going to be able to upload videos from home. That leaves them to my trips to The Farm, and I am not quite sure when I can get over there next.

It’s always something.

I got another little job finished. The cast iron griddle I seasoned last week turned out so nice, I decided to do my skillets over again because they were kind of gummy from where I wipe them with oil between uses. I’ll give it a second coat and season it again later in the week along with the third coat on the griddle.

As it’s getting darker earlier and earlier, there have been many stories on the news about Seasonal Affective Disorder. I, myself, have had difficulties with it in the past. There are many symptoms of SAD. It affects your mood, sleep, and your physical body. Fatigue, depression, anxiety, loneliness, mood swings, sadness. You can eat and sleep too little or too much. Irritability and lack of concentration. Ennui. Winter Blues.

Too many people suffer silently with SAD. But, the last few years the press has been shining a light on this disorder. As we lay our beautiful former First Lady, Mrs. Rosalyn Carter to rest today, I am encouraged by her steadfast mission to raise awareness of mental health issues. We’ve come a long way toward accepting mental illness as just that…an illness. No different than heart disease, high cholesterol, or anything else.

If you or anyone you know are suffering, please know there is not shame in admitting that and reaching out for help. Here is an excellent resource on Seasonal Affective Disorder. And remember, I am always a private message away if I can help in any way.

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