In and Out

A light breeze, a frigid light breeze pushes the outdoor chimes into deep throaty tunes.  I remain in bed, I listen for the cardinal who returned in recent weeks, but all I can hear are loud squawky crows driven mad by jays.  Perhaps they have met their match.

In stillness I observe. The house creaks a disconcerting yet familiar sound. Beyond the rivalry of my dogs and cats who vie for attention- I am drawn to the outside.  I observe the wild yard from within.  The sun is high casting a shadow like a network of webs from nearby trees.  Normally on bright winter days, the late morning hours encourage snowmelt, but not today.  Typically, I can hear the incessant melting roll down the roof and off the eaves.   Today the eaves are dry and silent. This is one of those days that belies the frigid reality. Winter is far from over, yet many prepare for renewal.

It was about this time of year that my mother would fling each window open letting the cold, fresh air flow through each room allowing all germs an escape. In with the new, out with the old  was the thinking.  I roll over on my side, fluff my pillow under my right ear, pulling the covers with me. I have been here in bed for more than sixteen hours. I slowly breathe in….out….in...out.  Tomorrow my body and mind will feel renewed.