February gifts

The signs are everywhere now. Buds on trees. Tulips spearing through the rumpled earth. Green tints on lawns. Doves in trees. 

Two weekends ago, none of this was true … or at least it was not as noticeable. The only thing that I saw was snow rot (also called snow mold) on my lawn. I spent a good part of a Saturday raking the discolored areas, breaking up what is a fungus so the nascent grass could survive. It was not a thrilling activity. 

The next day, after church, I parked my car in front of my house. Walking up to the front door, I spotted them, across from the ravaged lawn — two lovely white flowers resting low to the ground on large shiny leaves. 

I don’t know what they are. I don’t know if I planted them or if the wind or birds or angels placed them my yard just to cheer me up. 

They’re still there. They have a little competition now but the first will always hold a special place in your heart. Thank you.

Winter's Punctuation

Today will probably be the last for my home's exterior accessories but, lest we forget their beauty, I here commemorate them.

First, from my study window earlier this month.

Then today at the back of my house.

and from my back window.

I welcome the warmth and treasure the memories.

Literary Advantages

Everyone know that books, in whatever form, are among the greatest things there are -- magic carpets to other worlds, other ideas, fascinating people and great beauty.

They are also therapeutic.

If you are sick and have been ordered to rest -- even if you are not so sick that you really want to rest but you know you'd better rest or you will never get over whatever it is you have -- books are essential.

Books can distract you from self-pity -- keep you from straying from the couch or bed and generally keep your brain engaged when you have begun to fear that it will never be engaged again. 

In that regard, among many others, books are infinitely more valuable than television or DVDs -- plus they are easy to 'pause' if you have urgent needs or fall asleep.

So the next time your metabolism goes askew and you are overcome by waves of whatever, go ahead and fluff up your pillows and take whatever pills your healthcare professional prescribes -- as long as you also have a brilliant tome (or two) at hand.

I here testify that the sure cure is the following combination: bed, antibiotics, and books.