Seasonal Affective Disorder

The season of Darkness is upon us. If that weren't bad enough, it coincides with elections and holidays. I am a sun-loving individual and this time of year is not only dark, but the cold makes it less pleasant to be outside even on a sunny day.  But fortunately, I work at home (when I have work) so I can get out in the sun whenever possible - something I couldn't do in Winter when I was stuck in an office.  There are blessings to be grateful for, even in the season of Darkness.  If I lived in Alaska, I'd be in a psych ward or on some heavy meds - I don't know how they live in darkness and stay sane.  (Insert snide remark about Alaskan politician here).

Over the past few weeks we've been to Maine to deliver Leon's mom to her friend for a month.  Benni, the Dog, travels with us just about everywhere.

We had my family over for pasta dinner a couple of weeks ago.  We used to do that more often.  Everyone is too busy now.  My nephew is off at college so he missed the homemade meatballs and sauce.  I always think of my dad when we get together for pasta dinners.  Mom passed away years before dad and until he died, Dad used to make meatballs and sauce almost every Sunday whether we all showed up or not.  He made Sunday dinner for us two weeks before he passed away in 2002 at the age of 88.  Thoughts of death and dying come with the season - why else would they put All Hallow's Eve, the Feast of All Saints and All Souls Day at the end of October and beginning of November?   Hope I'll be making meatballs when I'm 68, let alone 88!

Toured "Appalachia" Connecticut which is just down the road from our house.  Goes to show the American countryside shares certain features, no matter where you go.  And some people think that Connecticut is only home to the wealthy.  When I wrote grants for a homeless shelter, even I was shocked at the statistics for poverty in this state.  Thing is, this little farm is not an example of the poverty I'm speaking of. 

 Is it depressing or is it just the time of year?

These turkeys should be hiding.  As far as holidays go, Thanksgiving is my favorite.  Just cook and eat.  No decorations, no gifts, no church-going.  It goes down hill from there however.  Even shorter daylight.  Colder. Drab. Dreary. Fuel bills. Sickening TV commercials (though nothing could be as bad as the political ads), tacky outdoor lighting and blow-up snowmen, Santas and reindeers.  Thanksgiving to Christmas are the longest four weeks of the year.

Too bad, some of these guys won't live to see it.

Call us the Sisters of Perpetual Help.  We helped the Lesbians move a month ago.  Suffice it to say they had lots of stuff.  A couple of Saturdays ago Leon and I went to help Steven paint his new home.  We got the living room and hallway done.  He still has the kitchen, two bedrooms and a bath to do, but we got him off to a good start.  Before:

After:

Leon's business has been slow this year again.  People are cutting back on everything.  But the past couple of weeks, business has picked up a bit.  Here is his work van and trailer at a customer's house.  He took the picture from the roof which he was power washing.

Even Benni looks like he's been hit with Seasonal Affective Disorder.

The milkweeds burst last week and I caught them at a vulnerable moment.  There is always the beauty of nature, no matter what the season.

Anyone else have the blahs?