Baby, it’s cold outside! I probably shouldn’t complain. I probably should just “suck it up.” But dang, where did my Florida go? I know it’s only in the 40s, but I am reacting as though it is below zero. My body aches and doesn’t want to get out of bed in the morning. I even bought an electric blanket! There are long sleeves on my arms, and I can’t see my latest pedicure because of the wooly socks and the closed-toe shoes on my feet. Even my blood feels thin and inadequate to the task of insulating me from this “cold affront.” I swear when I bent over to put my shoes on this morning, I heard the squeaky voice of a Tin Man begging for “oil can, oil can.” The Burnt Store Lakes walkers and dog-brigade hurry by with hooded sweatshirts, actual coats, and a double-time to their step. Even my friendly neighborhood alligators seem to have left the canals for some place warmer.
And then there are the vacationers. Yeah, I see you in your shorts and tank tops. Such a sad testament to the fact that this is better than where you flew in from. God bless you. But I am guilty of always seeing the cup half full, so I look to the sky. It is still the brightest blue, and our clouds could not be more friendly.
I will take a breath and remember this too shall pass, as I sit and chill on my lanai.
