North vs. South

It was a dreary, dreary day.  Nature has devised a weather contest, North vs. South.  First we had the Arctic Express bringing freezing cold wind and rain down from Alaska.  Now we have the Pineapple Express with warmer temperatures and moisture coming up from Hawaii.  After days of runny nose and icy toes, the house finally warmed enough for me to take off the jacket indoors (double long-sleeve tee-shirts still) and the cats left my lap to lie in front of the stove.  While it only misted, the skies were depressingly grey all day.  I don't know which is worse.  When it truly rains, at least the earth gets the benefit.

Stove is using up firewood at an alarming rate, so I took advantage of no rain to bring more wagonloads up to the porch.  Bessie used the opportunity to get a breath of fresh air.  She'd been reluctant to join me during morning chores and I couldn't blame her, but a girl can only hold it just so long.  After days of sitting on the counter, the butter finally reached "room temperature" and softened so that it could be blended with other ingredients.  I spent the afternoon in the kitchen.  The Christmas tree lights aren't going anywhere.

Could be worse.