The discontent of our winter

This has been a hard winter, physically. Life in the warmth of our house is brighter, and in the cocoons of home and school and the homes of friends, but almost every excursion outside is grey.



The snow has frozen into the alleys and unsalted sidewalks, making treks perilous and startling. Walking in the tire tracks is a recipe for disaster -- only dirty, uneven snow allows enough traction for anyone without spiked shoes.




Even deep into bushes and the branches of trees, winter has a strong grip. It's exhausting, all this grey and white. I find myself wearing the brightest things I can find, more jewelry than normal, drawn closer to the television and the computer, where colors flash provocatively if artificially.

Said simply: I've got to get out of here. We're making a break for the desert of Nevada this weekend, where recent surprising rainfall followed by bright sun has created -- oh, to see them in person! -- flowers!

I'll report back from the world of color late next week.