Even A Dragon Would Be Jealous

You know spring is still a long way off when you wake up in the morning, look outside and the world looks like it’s lost its colors. It’s cold. It is so cold that your breath forms clouds that even a dragon would be jealous of. And as if that wasn’t enough, they’re talking about snow. Nice on a Christmas card, but in real life it’s mostly wet feet and almost slipping on the driveway. But hey, it’s January. 76 days until spring. It’s not like I’m counting down the days or anything… Not at all… Cough!

My Voice Is On A Holiday!

The year didn’t really start great. A little flu decided to set up camp in my body. My voice? It took a vacation, probably somewhere warm. What’s left is a squeak and a crackle that sounds most like a seal with a cold. And of course, Skipper, my loyal furry friend, shamelessly takes advantage of that. He barks a little more often, and certainly a little longer than normal. And when I try to call him to order with a squeak and try saying that it is finished "NOW", he looks at me as if he wants to say: 'That was not entirely clear, try again.' Fortunately, his cute look makes up for a lot. Mostly. Sometimes I also think, "Gosh Skipper, you are not the only one who is bothered by this squeaking coming from my throat".

Feed The Birds

In between coughing, sniffling, and shivering, I try to do something positive. Feeding birds, for example. It gives me a kind of satisfaction, especially when they land on the feeding place fluttering busily. In this way, I am at least the hero of the day for those birds. It is also possible that they think: 'Oh look, free food,' but I let myself believe that they are grateful. When they have eaten their fill, they sit in the trees around them and with a bit of luck I can take a picture of one.

HOT CHOC!

Today I also spoiled myself a bit. When life gives you lemons, you make... hot chocolate. Not just any hot chocolate, no, ‘HOT CHOC’. With capital letters. Just because it feels better. If you have to go to the supermarket anyway, it can't hurt to take that with you. I thought I deserved it. I deliberately forgot the whipped cream, but after Christmas and New Year's Eve it can't hurt to skip that for a while. And I don't have the marshmallows either... but it doesn't matter. The HOT CHOC itself is enough to let me enjoy it for a while. And then just something simple and warm on such a cold day. Delicious, right? It's those little things that have to drag me through the winter.

It Can Only Get Better

As I sit here typing, with Skipper finally quiet (thank you, universe), I realize that it’s not that bad. Yes, it’s cold. Yes, I sound like a seal. But you know what? Things can only get better. Spring will come. Birds will sing again, flowers will bloom, and me? I’ll be able to talk normally again without people calling a vet for me.

Until then, I’ll hold on to the little bright spots. A bird flying away with a sunflower seed. The warm smell of cocoa in my kitchen. And Skipper, who, despite his antics, always manages to put a smile on my face. Because let’s be honest, without Skipper, it would be very quiet here. Too quiet.