In the past I’ve often written about words that interested me. This year I’ve decided to title each blog post so that the letter of the month matches with another word. Hence, January Jottings last month.
Facula are bright spots on the surface of the sun. The word
has also been used for bright spots on other planets.
There are fish called facula butterfly fish.
I chose the word because at this time of year I’m in dire
need of bright spots. We’re in the midst of Covid, vaccines are slow getting to
us, and here in Saskatchewan we’ve been having windchills of minus 40 and lower
for days.
When I started writing this blog post, I hadn’t been out
walking for six days.
I have enough food to last, but I definitely have cabin
fever. I keep thinking about walking to my nearby grocery or drug store for a
few treats and additional food. After all it’s only a 15-minute walk either
way. In the past I’ve prided myself on keeping active all winter. However, I’m
getting older and less motivated. My car is in the garage; I could plug it in
for 3 hours and drive somewhere, but then I’d have to get outside and leave my
car and get back into it cold. None of those thoughts help right now, and
neither does stepping outside my front door to check my mailbox..
So I’m considering bright spots.
I have shelter, clothing and food. I have books to read,
electronics to keep in touch with others and to entertain me. I finished my
crossword book, but not my Sudoku book. I have writing to do and income tax to
get organized. The latter isn’t a very bright spot, but it’s something to do,
and I will feel great when it’s all done and ready for my accountant in March.
I still have micro greens growing (seeded them January 1), and soon I plan to
seed tomatoes. I have grow lights to help them along. I do yoga most days. My
house has internal stairs so that’s another way to get exercise. My house is
relatively warm, though it’s old and can get drafty in the wind, but I have two
rooms with doors that close and an electric heater for each room, so I can get
cosy. I have sweaters and blankets. The days are getting longer and at worst
spring is about two months away.
A super bright spot for me this month was being privileged
to co-host an Artful Readings book discussion on Zoom with the Remail Modern.
We discussed ‘Startide Rising’ by David Brin, as well as the Xadie Za art
installation associated with it. It was a small, but articulate group;
discussion ranged widely from dolphins in space to racism, bigotry and
colonialism, art and science fiction.
Late wednesday afternoon the windchill went up to -39! I’d been wrestling with some recalcitrant income tax stuff and had just succeeded in conquering it when I found this out. So, high on one success, I decided to parka and bundle up and go. It wasn’t bad. I remembered that it never had been bad once I‘d gotten out. My clothing is warm, and walking creates heat. Once again, I conquered the inertia of the mind.
I baked chocolate chunk cookies on Thursday – delicious.
Put some in the freezer for future treats.
And the severely cold temperatures will end soon, in a few
more days, hopefully!! By Monday! Think positively.
