The last few days have brought a realization. The pieces of a puzzle have come together for me at this point in time.
Winter, after a lifetime of winters, is different for me now. I was raised in the Midwest, have lived in Boston and Philadelphia and New York State – all places that see their share of tough winters. I’ve only spent eight years of my life in a place that was sunny and warm in the winter. The conclusion being: I’m used to winter. I come from tough stock. I’ve braved all sorts of wintery experiences. I can handle it.
But I can’t. Starting with last year, which was admittedly an extreme year for winter in my neck of the woods, I have crossed a sort of divide. Winter brings a kind of depression to me. I feel down. I feel distant. I have to force myself to do something other than those routine daily chores that are done without thinking.
Almost as soon as January entered the picture, with all the holiday celebrations come and gone, I felt a change coming over me. I became a bit detached, for want of a better word. I couldn’t understand it at first, but as I put those puzzle pieces together, a pattern emerged. A bit of lethargy, more than a little testiness on my part, no feeling of get-up-and-go. Nothing seemed to hold my interest for very long.
I think, after years and years of winters, winters that had no effect on me other than the usual hassles of shoveling and inconvenience (cold temperatures have never really bothered me), I’ve entered a new phase. I get depressed in the winter.
This is not to be confused with clinical depression, which is an entirely different thing.
So maybe I’ll call it the Doldrums.
This is seasonal. It’s a mix of Seasonal Affective Disorder, feeling shut in, unable to work in the garden, endless gray skies and extreme weather, along with a lack of work that often comes in the winter. There’s probably more to it than that, but that’s a good start.
It’s such a strange change for me. Almost like I’m dealing with someone other than myself. Did reaching the 60 year mark also mark a mood change? I mentioned it to my dad yesterday and he immediately said, “It’s because you’re older.” He said it very firmly, with no hesitation. He’s been there, he said.
I know all about full spectrum lights and SAD. I need to get more exercise, force myself to take walks on a gray, wintry day, and my sister suggested some Vitamin D. I’m pretty sure I know what to do to combat this feeling. Nevertheless, it’s a wee bit bewildering and baffling. It’s a new Winter-Me. I can’t say I’m entirely comfortable with it and I suppose that goes with the territory.
Yesterday, I was determined to be cheery and I pulled it off, for the most part. Today, we’re being inundated with snow as a result of a Nor’easter. Another challenge. Being in the country is lovely most of the time, but in the winter it can be tough. Cities also bring challenges, but you’re out and about along with lots of other people, so there is less of a feeling of isolation. Isolation that I normally love and embrace.
Blogging helps because it forces me to write something every day. It helps me to see the beauty of daily life – even in the winter.
Ah well. Do any of you suffer from this winter malady? Do you find yourself with a case of the blues during these days of less daylight and more weather challenges?
Do you get a case of the Doldrums?
(You may occasionally see an ad on one of the photos in a post. I’m experimenting with avenues for more ad income, which has been very low as of late. Just giving you a heads up.)
Happy Saturday.
I do, Claudia. We often talk to moving to somewhere that would be warmer in the winter (and cheaper than Massachusetts, too!), but it’s just a pipe dream. We’re here to stay. But I long for spring, too. But I can’t help saying, it’s SOOOO beautiful outside right now! Going to grab my camera and get pictures while everything is still pristine and white! Have a good weekend,
Donna
It’s beautiful here today too – snow still falling, at least 6 inches on the ground, with all the branches and trees covered. Lovely.
We talk about moving, too, but I fear we are also here to stay. Fear isn’t the right word because 3/4 of the year, I absolutely love it here.
Sorry to say, completely opposite over here in California. We need more water and i can’t believe our mostly sunny, 70 degree days!! Plants and flowers are so confused!! Every season of the last 3-5 years has been so different!! I must say I hope some of your winter comes our way soon!!!
I check your blog daily and love to catch up!!! Take care, keep cozy!!!!
Seasons have been very inconsistent in the past few years. I’ll be happy to send you some winter, Lori!
I hear you. I spent 60 years in Illinois. Tough as nails I thought, used to “weather” it with no problem. Although the last few years had been tougher and tougher, after the holidays the long stretch of winter remaining used to just be so gray and miserable. The relentless cold, short days, snow, ice and wind took its toll. We finally made the decision to retire at 60 and held our breath and moved. Ahhhhhh…..the long winters are a thing of the past and so are those months of misery. Yes it is hot here in the desert but I do not have to shovel it, walk carefully on it, or be araid to drive in it. Many do not have this luxury to move but we are so glad we did and have not looked back for the last 3 years. I hope your winter passes by quickly and you are soon back out in the garden.
I don’t know if I could handle the desert heat, but you’re absolutely right – you’ve left all the winter stuff behind. Good for you!
Late January and February I’m normally over winter and ready to move on to spring. I think that’s what I love about where I live, just about the time you’re sick of one season a new one emereges and revitalized you again.
That’s true, Dawn. And that’s what I like about having four seasons.
Good Morning Claudia, yes I know where you are coming from. I have a bit of the same feeling. My husband tends to get the winter blues…and having been raised in Norfolk, VA he cannot stand hot, humid weather! This is the man who used to embrace winter camping. Now he uses one of the SAD lights and we both take Vitamin D (the “happy” vitamin). Exercise is key for him (walking most days). This year it’s impacted me a bit more, but I think that’s due to my recent surgery…being out of work for 2 months and not really getting out much other than to grocery shop). But, I’m back at work now and things are getting back to normal. And, I remind myself it is really only another 6 weeks or so (hopefully) for us in Eastern PA. I do love where we live – I love having 4 seasons and all the changes they bring. However, winters can definitely be tough. We ended up with about 5″ of snow and now it is a foggy morning.
I love the four seasons, that’s part of the reason we moved out here. Thank goodness Spring is sort of around the corner. Not soon enough for me….but it will come.
Hang in there, Claudia….spring is just around the corner. Jen
Fingers crossed, Jen.
Last year the Weather Network deemed us the coldest place on earth, so everyday life for us in the winter months largely revolves around the forecast. We try to be positive and practical, laying in supplies and using public transport instead of leaving the car outside, but the lack of daylight and having to stay indoors start to wear a bit. The part of winter I find most difficult is that it’s dark when I leave for work and dark before I come home. I suppose the upside is that we do get things done around the house during the winter months, but I look forward to when we can fling open all the windows once again. I certainly do envy your readers from California at times!
Me too. As I’ve lived there, I know what it’s like there around this time of year and I find myself really missing Southern California.
Try to focus on “happy” things – the dollhouse, taking pictures, planning a spring garden etc. I keep meaning to comment on your Instagram (?) feature to the right of the page. I found it the other day and was enchanted by photos I hadn’t seen before. Lovely!
I try to put things on Instagram that aren’t on the blog…just added some snow pictures. xo
I think it’s about 4pm right now, on Saturday, with warm, dry winds off the eastern desert where I’m located here in SoCal about a dozen miles from the ocean; we were at 80 degrees (F) about 2pm when last time I looked at the temperatures. JANUARY, when it’s supposed to be cooler and hopefully rainy. Yes, nice weather at the ‘winter’ beach. People walk around in shorts and flip-flops today at the grocery store. But remember, we need rain and we’re not getting it, so the drought will just be worse now in 2015 as was feared by more than one weathercaster. Our creeks are still dry; rivers are mere rivulets. So much wildlife has disappeared because there’s simply little of the usual plantlife growing at all. We had few wildflowers last year in the usual April-May of Spring…whereas, in rain years, we were abundant in roadside rambles of orange poppies, carpets of blue lupine in the hills; fields of yellow mustard. So, yes, the wild animals have no food to eat, along with no water to drink. We’ve had deer and mountain lions coming ‘way down out of the canyons in a search for survival. There used to be rabbits at dusk in the foothills; you never see them scampering around anymore. I notice a real absence of squirrels yet I’m surrounded by old-growth trees. Owls and hawks hang out at the cemeteries because there are small man-made ponds as well as sprinklers to water the acres of lawn. I suppose it’s the same way at the golf courses. (Can’t imagine how high their water bills must be!) We’re a huge agriculture state…crops and orchards need water…and irrigation is expensive for the farmers. (Remember, rain is free. Irrigation water is not.)
For residential, we’ve been under water restriction since Thanksgiving. Many other California cities were on restriction long before we were. We are not allowed to use water outside between the hours of 10am and 4pm. Otherwise, we’re in violation of the restriction and can be turned in to authorities. There’s a hotline for call-in reports of violation where the caller can remain anonymous to avoid retaliation. It’s an oppressive situation. I expect soon to have our meters tracked. It happened in another California city I once lived in when customers would not comply on a volunteer basis. Right now, you better not be caught, at any hour, washing off your porch or patio or sidewalks. You can’t just take a notion to go wash your car in your own driveway and leave a garden hose running between the wash & rinse; in the hours you’re allowed to do it, you have to have a nozzle shut-off, the objective being NO WASTE of water. Water isn’t served in restaurants unless you specifically request to drink it. If you need to wash down your house to get ready to paint, forget it; it’s forbidden.
At this rate, with the oddly-warm weather early in 2015, even though we’ve recently been gifted with a rainstorm here and there, our landscape will be a moonscape by summer. If you see any green space, it will be spotty; nothing is lush. The dry riverbeds kick up a lot of dust…when the wind blows strongly, like today, it looks like white smoke down at the river…so the world is dust-caked; muted and dull. Lakes can’t replenish; fish die. It’s scary and sad; worrisome. In 2014, we took out 75% of our front lawn and 66% of our backyard lawn (xeriscaping), since lawn grass is a water hog and the monthly fee for city water is too great. We look plain and barren, but it will take years yet, the experts say, to overcome this long, long drought. For the wild birds, I keep the birdbath filled as well as a big bowl of water for the feral kitties, but nuisance raccoons appear now and drink the cats’ water, which prompts the cats to take the birds’ water, leaving nothing for the birds. You’re in violation if you have a garden fountain which doesn’t recycle its water, and you are in violation if you, at any time, use city water to fill built-in or above-ground, indoor or outdoor, swimming pools. I guess that means you can’t fill up an inflatable kiddie pool either. Some people restrict, voluntarily, how many times per day they flush their toilets. I understand that no plumber is allowed to install a new toilet unless it’s a water-restricted/low-flow model. We take short showers. We have reluctantly invested in the more-expensive washing machine and dishwasher which conserve more water over the long haul.
At the risk of catastrophizing, have to say, it does make a person get concerned if there will be, eventually, a shortage of water to drink or cook or bathe in. With recent years of real estate decline due to The Great Recession, and now factoring in high rents and then statewide drought of YEARS, I don’t think our ‘sunny weather’ is enough of a reason to move to California. If I wasn’t so lifelong-dug-in…if my personal circumstances had been different especially over the past decade with caring for elderly parents who were aging-in-place here…I’d leave and not look back. Not that I wouldn’t miss a lot of things, of course I would.
But, there you are, as spoken by a native SoCal-er. I don’t know anything about snow but, if I were any of you in it, I’d just ‘get through’ as best you can because look at how lovely everything will be in just 90 days or so; the time will go by fast. And your Spring will be gorgeous. You can water your gardens at will, unlike me (at present, they’ve asked us to limit watering any kind of vegetation to just two times per week, so that’s gonna play havoc with my veggie gardening, at least in the beginning). You’re able to face your Spring and Summer with no dread! Take care; it’s gonna get wonderful again soon!
I understand this, Claudia. I’ve always loved winter, but this year is getting to me, too. It really hasn’t been a bad winter this year, weather-wise, but I’ve had that same detached, slow feeling. I turned 60, too…but I know that since losing my dad this year (and I know you lost your mother)…it’s just been that kind of year for me. I have been trying to eat better and I’m going to try to get out of the house more, too. This too shall pass…hopefully SOON.
Yes, losing a parent certainly adds to the mix, doesn’t it, Linda? Detached, slow….a perfect description.
Yup, I get them too and we don’t even have terrible winters. It’s the gray days I hate along with being shut up inside. I have the sunlight bulbs in both lights in my room – which has no windows. I also take vitamin D and those help, but I hate being stuck inside because it is cold or rainy (we rarely have snow).
One thing I like is listening to a youtube channel in the background that has sounds of nature like birdsong, waves and such. I listen while I work at making my jewelry or sewing. It helps remind me Spring is coming.
Good idea, my friend. Maybe waves? We used to have an alarm clock that had all those sound features. Might be time for a new one!
The beauty of Texas winters is you go through two or three days of gray overcast weather and then you are greeted with beautiful sun shiny days. I can always tell on those gray days that I’m not very motivated to do anything. I always thought people retired to the south because the winters were more mild. I wonder if some of it has to do with the gray days? Of course, then you have to contend with 100 degree days in the summer.
I think gray days are very hard, as a rule, Shari. But so are 100 degree days, I guess!
Claudia, I live in the South so have mild winters, but I also have noticed a change as I get older. Maybe it’s the gray days or the slower pace that I move in the winter. I try to embrace the slower times but there are days that I just want to curl up with a book or movie and not move. Sometimes more then one day in a row. I fight it. You can make some changes and it will get better!
hugs,
Linda
I fought it yesterday, Linda and that helped. Today? Shoveling. So at least I’ll get some exercise!
Claudia, My gosh, it’s as if you were writing this post for me. I too can not take to many days in a row without sunshine. I too need a fire under my butt to get me to do much besides basis household chores. I guess that is one reason I do not mind to shovel snow…it’s a change. Although I would sooner sit on the porch with my feet in the sun. I hope you can find a fun distraction. I do have family near by to see once in a while. That truly helps. There is not much that is great about growing older. Discounts, I guess. I wish I had a ladie’s club to join, or something to keep me excited . I do try to glean some joy from each day. Some times , I cry. Once I do that, then I pray. Which helps me. I hope you can find some joy. Blessings dear Claudia. xoxo,Susie
You too, Susie. We’ll hang in there!
Shoveling for me today, so exercise will be happening!
Yes, yes, and yes! Definitely take the vitamin D3 ~ most everyone should take it anyway, especially those of us who live in the mostly sunless winter climates. Most people are vitamin D deficient. It’s not only a mood lifter, but it strengthens your bones, fights colds and flu, helps with hypertension, helps with feeling tired and achy, etc.
Believe me, I know it’s hard to motivate yourself to get outside and walk during this kind of weather – I have to force myself, too. But once I get out there and start walking, it feels so darn good to breathe in some fresh air (even if it’s cold) and MOVE instead of being cooped up indoors with all the windows closed. By the time I get home, I feel revived and energetic. I’ll be taking a walk this afternoon. :-)
You’re absolutely right, Melanie. I walked a lot last winter and I’m not doing it this winter. I need to start again. It’s a little hard in the country with no side walks, but I still need to make myself do it.
I don’t have sidewalks here either, Claudia – so I just walk on the streets. There’s not much traffic out here, but when cars do come by, I just move to the side of the road.
Same here, Melanie. Although there is a lot of traffic on our County Road and people drive way too fast!
First I want to tell you how much I enjoy your blog . I miss the beautiful picture of your house at the top and now it seems I will be reading something interesting and an add will pop up. There are adds everywhere. Too many. For me, it diminishes the impact of what you are trying to say.
Thanks so much for your thoughts. I do appreciate them. Let me clarify just why I have to have ads on this blog:
There are ads only on the sidebar and at the top of the body of the blog. Plus one at the end of the post if you click on it to leave a comment. Otherwise, you don’t see that ad. The same amount of ads that have been here for over two years. I’ve already explained about the ad on the photo. And again, that ad doesn’t appear unless you’ve clicked on the post itself to go to the comments. If you’re seeing pop-up ads, it might be a problem with your browser and all you have to do is disable pop-up ads on your browser. You can also block ads on your browser.
If you like this blog, then surely you’ll realize it takes time and money to keep it going. I spend hours writing each post, taking photos, and thinking up post topics. It costs money to pay for hosting. And photo editing. And security for the blog so that it can be safe for you, the reader.
All the things you like on this blog, including my words, take time and since you get them for free, I need to find other sources to support the blog. I work very hard at keeping ads to a minimum, but they are a reality and will continue to be.
I understand if you don’t like them. Perhaps you want to consider subscribing via email where you only get text and pictures? I don’t remember when there was a picture of the house at the top of the blog. In fact, I don’t think there’s ever been a picture of my house at the top of my blog – on the sidebar, yes. But that’s it.
We are very fortunate because we have the chance to travel to different homes, VA. in the warmer months, Fl. in the winter and many weeks in Mn. We go to Mn. 3 or 4 times in the winter so I know cold and snow. I was raised in the midwest but quickly adapted to Fl. when we moved here for business 28 years ago. When we are in Mn. I do more work with paper, photos and crafts. You do have to find something to do or you (me) spend too much time on the computer. I do love movies on Netflix and old tv shows and series. I know many people who have SAD and no one has any great answers to the problem, wish I had some suggestions. I do love how you can post a picture and make a story so keep up the photography and writing!
The photography and writing surely help a great deal, Gayle. I try to read a lot (and I have a lot of books to read for reviews) and I’m thinking I’ll start again on hand quilting the quilt I made a couple of years ago. Today I’ll be shoveling a wee bit, so I’ll be getting exercise.
I love winter..Mollie and I were out “romping” in the snow for 2 hours this AM..She was romping..I was taking pictures..I love the cold crisp air no matter how cold as long as it’s not windy..
I like the cold air, too, Missy. No problem with that. It’s feeling penned in and the gray skies, I think. I agree with you about windy…not a fan!
I was born in the great white north and after spending 47 years there we left. I am exposed to sunshine everyday, moderate winter temps, no snow and lovely clear blue skies. It is stressful, depressing and difficult to live with grey skies, dampness, cold and snow which makes life harder. I could not deal with it as I am older now and if I were still there I would be housebound.
It is depressing, Anne. You’re so right. But I have no choice, so I have to come up with ways to deal with it in a healthy manner. Enjoy your sunshine!
Well, I’m a born and bred Wisconsinite…that being said…this winter is dragging on. It seems like we’ve had an unusual amount of gray days…some with rain and fog….and very little snow. And, it is depressing! I can deal with winter a whole lot better if the sun would just shine! It is going to snow tonight into tomorrow…looks like 4″…maybe that will help. Unfortunately, I do agree with your dad…it is the fact that we are getting older. I can’t take the cold like I used to! But, I love living with four seasons. I would really love to vacate Wisconsin for a couple of months…someplace where it’s warm…and then hopefully return to Wisconsin in the Spring. Gotta work on making that happen. Maybe I should start with just two weeks. In the meantime, I’ve been mentally planning out my flowers, and planning a little landscaping to do this Spring. The home and garden shows will start up soon…I am looking forward to those…just to inspire me! ;)
Yesterday was sunny and that helped. But this coming week brings very cold temps. Hopefully, they will be accompanied by blue skies. Fingers crossed.
A month or so in a sunny, warm climate would be awfully nice!
Here in the south winters are usually pretty mild. We have some cold nights but most days it’s easy to at least get out for a walk. I’m very thankful too, because I have lupus, which has it’s own lovely symptoms to deal with, lol! It’s nice to get out for a walk and breathe in the cool, crisp air. Much better than the hot, humid days of summer! That’s when I spend most of my time inside. I only go out at night when the sun is setting, because I’m really sensitive to the sun and heat. I guess we all have to find the best ways to cope and adjust to where we live. But I’d so love to live in Hawaii one day! Wish me luck on that! Hugs and God bless!
I DO wish you luck on that, Alisha! I hope you get to live in that beautiful place one day. I’m sorry you have to deal with Lupus and I know that very much affects your daily life. You’re so right – every location has it’s challenges. xo
It’s true I think for list of people — dreary gray weather , especially long stretches– creates a depression of sorts. My mom used the word Doldrums — a good word for it. Maybe it’s why so many people DO Migrate south later in life.
At least Don is home with you more this winter– seems like he was away longer last winter.
Hang in there!
He was away for at least 10 weeks last winter and it made it doubly hard. I am very happy he’s here this winter!
Having lived in Florida my entire life I can only imagine what living where it snows in the winter is like. I can understand the doldrums thought, they hit me when it rains for several days in a row. After about four days I feel myself sliding a bit into depression. I have always looked forward to winter but as I near my 60th birthday next month I find that I dread the cold now and want to just stay inside and not be out in it. However there’s just nothing quite like being inside a warm comfortable house when it’s freezing outside. It’s 72 this morning but we are expecting it to be 42 by tonight. I hope you feel better soon Claudia.
Thank you, Janie. The house is cozy and warm and I’m very grateful for that. The snow that is falling today is pretty, heavy and wet, but pretty! You’re right, endless rain can provoke the same feelings.
I guess ONE good thing for your day today is that Don gets to play w/ his snowblower!!
Last year when we went through such a long winter I became very aware of what those who were pioneers must have gone through in the desolate winters when they were separated by miles to even the closest neighbors. I have read that many of the women especially suffered so much from being isolated with no interaction to speak of. Today with email, cell phones, cars, TV and radio, it is hard to even imagine a day, let alone months on end of isolation.
I agree w/ the Vitamin D and days w/ sun certainly do help!!
With bad knees it is so hard to get out to exercise, and the fear of falling is always there. Your Dad is right ~ that age does play a part ~ as much as many of us hate to admit. My mind has me out in the gardens right now, pulling a hose behind me as I fill the bird baths and tug on some weeds. My mantra through these months is “this too shall pass.”
Yes, Don is excited about using the snow blower again! I’m not so excited about shoveling, but there you go! I cannot imagine how hard it was for pioneer women – days and days, months and months of cold and snow and isolation. At least I can fire off an email or call a friend.
Spring, come soon!
My Doldrums arrive in August and September. Our Georgia winters are mild and springtime is so nice, but summer comes in June and it can be brutal. I’m both thankful for and resentful of air conditioning which can strand us inside as effectively as a big snow. I do outside activities no matter what, but by August I’m tired of the effort. When possible, my husband and I take a vacation during this time and head straight to the mountains. A week in a tent along a cool mountain steam fortifies me, and helps me keep a stiff upper lip until October.
Oppressive heat is just as bad – you’re still stuck in the house. If only the world was 70 degrees and sunny with no humidity! Although, that’s the way it was when I lived in San Diego and I got tired of it – I needed my four seasons.
I live in the frozen tundra otherwise known as Minnesota. I have been diagnosed with SAD so I use a light box. It does help a lot! Exercise helps also. And I take vitamin D. I go to a gym about 4 times a week. I also treat myself to fresh flowers weekly. Without the light box, I don’t even get out of my pajamas.
I am trying to “embrace winter” this year as a slower, quieter time to read, sew, craft, write and so on ad nauseum. I still hate it and count the days until I can get outside and garden. Last year we had a huge snowstorm in May and the weather was so cold that we couldn’t plant warm weather crops until mid June!
The older I get, and the more winters under my belt, the more I hate them!
We ‘re going to get some Vitamin D. I just came in from doing a bit of shoveling and I definitely feel a lift in my mood.
You are wise to think of it as a slower, quieter time, Carolyn Marie. I am also counting the days until I can garden.
Well I am in Washington state and that means
weeks and weeks of grayness and moisture.
The time does pass more quickly as we age, so
the winters do not seem as long, but then summers
fly by too.
Claudia, have you ever shared your laundry area
during cottage tours, perhaps I have missed this.
Enjoy the tours so much, I am a daily reader.
Oh goodness! You don’t want to see my laundry area. It’s just a closet in the bathroom. Nothing but the stacked washer and dryer in a bare bones closet!
Oh, but I wish I had a designated laundry area….and a mud room!
Good Morning! I only experienced one winter in New Mexico that it snowed. It was the worse snow storm they had in 25 years. It was beautiful we would walk at night in the snow with the moon shining, it was a fairyland to me. I would take walks and the trees dripped crystals. Now, that was an interesting time of my life. The t.v. went off at nine o’clock, after showing an old cowboy movie. I went to the library and found a whole collection of very old English mysteries. Oh My Gosh! I could not put them down. I was in my 20’s. I see a picture of snow now and I am so cold. It is foggy, in the 60’s and I am freezing.
Sorry, did not mean to go on so.
Your blog has seen me through some pretty gloomy days here.
Thank you.
That is one of the nicest things I could hear, Rose. Thank you. Snow can be beautiful and sparkly and bright, especially when it’s sunny.
You know, when I was living in San Diego, my body adjusted to that climate and if it got down to 40 or 50, especially in the evenings when it could be very damp, I was freezing!
Don’t worry about your ads. Your page is very mild compared to some blogs I read. I don’t experience any pop ups. Just ads on the side which do not bother me. If you can make some extra money with the ads it is alright with me.
I take vitamin D even though I live in a sunny state. I had some blood work done and mine was low. But an extra advantage of taking vitamin D is I noticed no more leakage when I laugh too hard, sneeze or cough. Trying to explain this politely but if you have experienced it you know what I am talking about. I read an article on the internet that vitamin D was useful for this problem. Recommended it to a friend and it worked for her also.
Ah, thank you for those kind words, Olivia. I do work very hard at not having too many ads, but I also have to keep this blog going and money, unfortunately, does not grow on trees! I’m glad you understand.
Oh….interesting point about the Vitamin D and leakage! Hmmmm. A double benefit. I don’t know if you’ll get this response, Olivia, but how much do you take daily?
I take one 5000 IU of vitamin D-3 each day. They are softgels and easy to swallow. Name of the brand is Simply Right.
Thanks so much, Olivia. Don is at the grocery store buying Vitamin D-3 right now!
Yes, of all the seasons, Winter is my least favorite, for all the reasons you mention in your post. In general, I think Winter [for people in cold climates] is an overall pain-in-the-tuckus for everyone except children, and people who love Winter sports. I loved it when I was a kid, It was a tremendous lot of fun. Winter meant Christmas, sledding, skating, snowballs, skiing [for some], building igloos, snow saucers, hot chocolate. But for most adults, Winter means coping with a lot of things we’d rather not cope with. There’s the post-Christmas letdown. There’s weeks and weeks of dreary dark gray days. There’s the inactivity of being housebound and all the other hassles that can come with snow and ice – none of which get easier as we age. When I was a kid I couldn’t imagine moving to Florida or Arizona as a lot of my friends’ grandparents were beginning to do. But now that I’m approaching that age myself, I can totally understand the appeal of being a “snowbird” – living where there are sunny skies and warm temps most of the time. Needing only an umbrella and a yellow slicker – LOL – to deal with bad weather. I do believe there’s a lot of validity to Seasonal Affective Disorder too. If for no other reason than I don’t believe it’s experienced in sunny climates. Some have a tougher time with it than others – may need medication or light therapy – but I think most adults in cold regions would admit to feeling “down” or even depressed to some extent during the Winter, especially in late Winter after a long period without sunshine. I myself am hoping that Punxsatawney Phil gets a nice cloudy day greeting him on February 2. Enjoy your day!
Oh, let’s cheer for Phil! I hope so, too.
My neighbors love to ski and bought a second house up in the mountains north of here. For them, winter is great. For us….not so much!
It’s inevitable, for me. I think part of it for me is that in January I face end of year tax work for our business but perhaps if I didn’t have that, I’d still have January blues. It’s not that I want it to be July or August, in those months I pine for winter.
I think it’s a time to be very kind to yourself, to do the things that make you happiest and to force yourself to get out and be among people some during the day–I’m speaking to myself, Claudia, not you! You do those things that have proven to make you content and maybe think about something that is a splurge, if not of money then of time.
And of course there’s always wallowing, sometimes I just give and do that.
Well, I think your advice about being out among people is good advice, Dewena, and not just about you! I think that makes a difference in the quality of the day, especially in the midst of the gray days of winter.
Your post was so thought-provoking for me, as I’ve often-often thought seriously of leaving the West Coast of California for a East Coast experience. Our four seasons in SoCal are very subtle and sometimes only a native can really feel/tell the diff. But I’d like to know, just once, what that ‘festival’ (as Susan Branch described it) of true four seasons is like. My husband is emphatic that he will never, ever return to the Midwest where he was raised. He says the cold actually hurts, like pain against your skin. He hates all the confining layers of clothing. How weather curtails many activities. How he can’t stand being shut up in a house with forced-air, drying heat. Oh, it goes on and on with him. Don’t even mention shoveling snow!
For me, I definitely think even a Southern Californian can suffer from SAD. I have zero get-up-and-go in foggy, dark weather. When it’s too gray, I find it oppressive. I don’t mind cold weather if it’s sunny. It’s hard to remember what rain is (ha!) but I don’t mind rain, probably because it doesn’t last very long here. I definitely remember never living by a weather report when younger; nothing would get in my way of doing what I wanted to; weather wasn’t even in the remote parts of my brain, say, in my 20s.
Maybe it IS a bit of an age thing. Just a greater awareness of the passage of time with the seasons? I’d hate to linger long on the thought that it’s because, once we hit the age of 60, we’re literally in the winter of our life or winter of our years, i.e. getting nearer the end. I can’t go there and won’t, not when I see too many people so vibrant in their 80s.
Definitely have your Vitamin D levels checked. It’s not always part of a complete blood panel; your doctor has to specifically ask for it, and it’s a read on more than one type of D. I didn’t know anything about this, but a substitute doc for my primary care physician picked up on what might be part of my problem…she was a woman; she expanded an order to the lab he’d already written out in order to check all this extra stuff, thank goodness. So, yes, low levels of D…at age 59. I avoid the sun because of skin cancer (I’m fair) and I don’t like being hot since menopause. That, coupled with a reduced consumption of dairy due to regretfully developing sensitivity to milk products in my mid-50s, left me with these diminished D levels, so I now have to take a daily supplement, which is no big deal and it’s not expensive; this was doctor’s order. If you’re low on D, it can cause SO many other health problems; serious ones.
Definitely a bit of an age thing, Vicki. And you know, I DO like the four seasons. They really make me happy, perhaps because I grew up with them? Maybe what you grow up with stays with you and calls to you? But your husband would deny that, of course!
I know my dad has never liked living in Florida and misses his home in Northern Michigan a great deal. He misses the seasons, even though they were sometimes very hard for him.
I like the cold. I’d rather put on layers than sweat, I think. It’s just the darned gray skies and weather that is sometimes overwhelming…and I miss my garden!
My good neighbor two doors down grew up in the Upper Peninsula, rather close to the Canadian border (she has slightly-accented speech); actually lived there raising her children and only came out permanently to California when when she was approaching age 40 after being widowed. (She’s in her early 80s now. Sharp as a tack.) I love hearing about her life there, especially when she was a kid; the land seemed very untamed and beautiful where a child could roam and play to her heart’s content in a natural setting. Also, I have an old friend who returned to the Midwest 20 years or so ago, having grown up in Ohio/Indiana locales; she and her husband decided to make their new, married life in Traverse City, which sounds very nice except that their winters also seem exceptionally long, snowy and cold (they get that icy. lake-effect stuff). I want to visit her and then go ‘way north to see the area of which my neighbor speaks. I’ve never been to Michigan and have a lot of relatives I’ve never met in the Grand Rapids area; we’re of Dutch heritage. What do you think is the best time of year to visit Michigan? Mom and Dad went once, in September-October but I can’t remember much of what they said, if anything, about the weather. (They were entranced with the apple orchards, I do remember that.) I was thinking maybe in early-to-mid May of a year, before summer overload at resorts and on the road, but I have another friend who, in more than one vacation destination, Midwest or East Coast, encountered a late snow/nor’easter. I remember them going to Nantucket at the end of April or early May and actually getting stuck on the island for more days than they intended.
Hi Claudia, I do get sad in the winter. always have. I live for spring and all the promise that comes with it. One thing that I do come January is plan…I plan my garden. I plan trips even if they are just day trips. I buy flowers (even bring out the silks if I can’t afford real ones that week). I surround myself with “Springy” things to get me through. Even so, there are those days where the endless grey gets me down. My Hubby and I are now talking about what we want to do after retiring…I see an RV in our future and the term “snow bird” makes me smile.
Spring is right around the corner Claudia
Think “Springy” thoughts!
Blessings, Joanne
You take positive steps to combat the doldrums, Joanne. Good for you!
Funny you would mention an RV. Don and I have a fantasy of just taking off in a Winnebago and touring the country. We would absolutely love that!
Definitely get going on some Vitamin D3 Claudia. I’ve had really good results with Vitafusion brand (these are the gummy vitamins). A regular dose is 2000 IU, but my doctor has me taking an extra 1/2 dose for 3000 IU daily. I like using the gummy vitamins because I know they’re going to disolve quickly and for sure get into my system … plus they taste really good!
Also, I don’t find anything intrusive about your ads, and I never experience pop ups or anything like that.
I dislike winter more every year. I am done with it as soon as we roll the calendar over to January! But will I love all the other seasons as much if we move to somewhere where it is warm all the time? We always say we are going to move away but we don’t. 8 weeks to go until the first day of Spring!
Winter also gets me down Claudia..I have never tried Vitamin D3 but I’m now tempted to give it a try with everything good being said by the ladies here..We got that snow storm here and are expecting the next one tomorrow too..I have a bit of advice to pass on to Don from my boyfriend here about using the snow blower..He saw it on TV that if you spray in the lining of the tube and where the snow goes in to be pushed out of with cooking spray such as PAM it will keep the snow from sticking and clogging when we get a heavier, wet snow..Let it set to dry for about 10-15 minutes before using it..He tried it for the first time today and said it worked great..Anything to make the job easier is a help I say..Stay safe and warm..I’m so glad that Don is home with you this Winter..
Here in Georgia our winters are sort of mild, but oh, the humidity in the summer! As I get older, I find I cannot handle the heat and humidity . The cold doesn’t really bother me (I can always add another layer), but those gray overcast days! As for the ads, do what you have to do. I love your blog and I am certainly not going to complain about an ad that might help you continue it. Sending warm thoughts and wishes your way. Hang in there.
I have read that 1 in 3 people have low Vit. D. Mine is very low. So is my brother’s. He lives in Alabama and outside most of the time. It’s also good for your bones.
I would probably not go out if I didn’t have to. The grands keep us busy and church. It helps. I think it’s January blues. Christmas is over. We build up to the holidays and then they are over.
My advice is try the Vit. D and get out and about on the clear.days.
Your ads don’t bother me. I love your blog and what’s an ad or two.
Hugs
I swear that I have SAD but have never been diagnosed with it. I hate winter – don’t like cold, layering of clothes, heating up the car before I go anywhere and really don’t like daylight savings time. I never have but it seems this winter it is even worse with the day going dark so early. I can handle the heat easier than the cold. I did buy myself one of those “happy lights” but haven’t used it yet. Hope it helps.
John and I had talked about an rv but don’t think it would be any fun with just one. If you ever get the chance, go for it! I think you and Don and Scout would have a ball!
Judy
Yes!!! And compared to recent winters, this one has been very mild. But I still am a bit “down”. I would love to retire to a warmer climate, but I also don’t want to leave friends behind. I know that in about three months or so spring will be well on it’s way so I wait for that. And I try to keep busy with projects for others. Inside me I guess I feel that if I’m dong for others it will make me feel better. :-) You’re not alone Claudia.
Blessings,
Betsy
I spent most of my life in NY state, Middletown & Syracuse, so I am used to winter, cold & snow. Eight years ago I moved to Illinois and although winter is much milder here, I find I get depressed. Illinois doesn’t get much snow, so everything is brown and the skies are gray…it feels like a long November. Last winter was more like a typical NY winter & I felt better! I also get that depressed feeling when I start to get nostalgic remembering winters of my childhood….skating, sledding, the smell of snow, my Mom’s cocoa, the smell of wool mittens drying on a radiator, hunkering under a quilt with a good book….these winter memories often leave me with a sense of longing and sadness. To help my mood, I keep up with regular exercise, take a walk when weather permits, and set specific goals for each week-from garden planning to organizing my books, it feels good to accomplish that goal.
Well my dear, a whole lot of interesting comments here.
I can understand your wish for a milder winter, I found it quite unbearable when I lived in Mass. and New Hampshire. I’d never spent what seemed like endless months of such bitter cold, snowy weather, just the wet of jolly old England! But oh the gentle springs and summers of the northeast – such lovely times I recall.
North Carolina is a near perfect climate for most who live here. Four distinct seasons, not a lot of really frigid weather, but personally the summers are too hot and humid for me. After 37 years down here I don’t expect to live anywhere else – we are rooted with our loved ones I suppose. Any move would be to an easier to maintain property perhaps, but no time soon I hope!
Hang in there – you know those bulbs are getting ready!
Hugs – Mary
It was so strange to read your blog since I told my husband last night that I had the doldrums! I take Vitamin D with Calcium regularly, have problems with my feet so getting out for a walk is difficult. I seem to have lost my get-up-and-go. Just celebrated my 60th birthday and was so dis-interested in it that it was bugging my husband. I finally suggested that we go to a movie just so HE would feel better about the day! I’m going to try joining our very small and inexpensive community gym to see if that helps. It’s $18.00/month for seniors – guess there are some perks to getting older. Maybe we’ll all feel better when the calendar turns to February. Wishing you a good day.
ellen in Seattle
I used to get really down in the winter. Several years ago I made a promise to myself not to allow it to get to me until the end of Feb. I now use Jan and Feb. as my time to really get into cooking, reading a lot and doing some home projects and organizing things. I know when the nice weather comes the inside will kind of get pushed to the side. I must be the opposite of most people. The older I get the less I can handle heat and humidity. I lived in Florida for several years. I found being forced inside when it looked beautiful outside worse. It seemed like such a tease. I actually really dislike March and April. I rather have snow covered ground than brown mud all over. My dream is to leave town during those two months. And yes, I’d love to have a vintage camper to escape in. Wouldn’t that be fun!!!
I was diagnosed 10 years ago with Bipolar Disorder. I knew even before the diagnosis. I had read the autobiography of Patti Duke and it hit the nail on the head. I suffered even as a child and as an adult I always had the winter malady, “depression.” Although, the meds help, winter is especially difficult. I have to fight my inner voice to keep from stopping the mood stabilizer because honestly I’d rather be manic than depressed. So, I understand. Things got worse when I had a hysterectomy 4 years ago. Winter came and I just could hardly get out of bed. Thank goodness I live in the south with longer days and without the extreme weather. I should walk more. Walking does help. Prayers for you my friend. Just look at it as the body needing more rest and take advantage of this time to relax and read. My best to you. Bonnie