Life's little blessings...for me...include sharing my home with a Maine Coon Cat.  His antics constantly give a smile to my face as well as a smile to my heart.

When I was growing up, my parents subscribed to a magazine called "Reader's Digest."  "Reader's Digest" also published condensed books...and my parents also got those in the mail.  In one of those condensed books was a novel called "The Winter of Our Discontent."  To be honest I have no idea of the subject of the novel.  Most likely is was a 1960's version of dealing with a crumbling marriage.  Regardless, the title of the novel has stuck with me throughout my years.

This winter which turned brutal the second half of January...and here we are on March 3, with -16 (F) outside...there is not one crocus pushing its flowers above the ground!  The above picture was taken during the snowstorm we got on March 1.  With no end to the cold and snow in sight, I find myself suffering from cabin fever...I find myself in the "winter of my discontent!"

However, I am a Wisconsinite.  I am a northerner.  As such, I am used to snow and cold and I know that winter will eventual cede to spring.  I know I will survive.  So on this Sunday morning I set aside the discontent I feel and take on the joy of living...and the joy of anticipating spring arriving.  Soon the sun will be warmer, the snow will melt, the streams will rush with fresh clear water, and gardens will come back to life.  All I have to practice is patience.

...and I will be then be complaining about the heat!!!   ...and that is life in Northwestern Wisconsin.