Let it snow...

I sit on my comfy purple couch and watch the snow fall gently outside.

My feet tucked under me and a well read book resting on the table nearby are all part of the scene for the day.

The fire in the hearth crackles with energy. The glow warms the room and gives everything a golden hue.

Warm and cozy watching the storm outside.

It's not officially winter yet, but try explaining that to Old Man Winter.

He came into my neighborhood and kicked the door in.

Fortunately I have stocked the kitchen with the "necessities." I'm not sure why when a snow storm is announced on the radio that people feel the need to wipe out the shelves of all milk, bread, and eggs.

Is there going to be a French Toast emergency? Do people actually wake up and panic saying, "We are doomed! I was going to make French Toast but cannot now because we don't have the supplies!"

Needless to say, I have my prerequisite milk, bread, eggs, and of course, cat food. I am ready. Bring it!

As for Old Man Winter, I think he has a message for all of us in every snowflake that falls from the sky.

• Slow down, relax
• Read a book 
• Pet your cat (or dog, or hamster, or lizard)
• Stoke the fire
• Snuggle with your loved ones
• Throw a couple snowballs
• Get in the mood for Christmas
• Enjoy life at a slower pace
• Make French Toast

As if...

I could feel her eyes slowly scan my person scrutinizing every inch of me. I could tell she was thinking that I had no idea what she was doing.

She’s about as subtle as a bull in a china shop.

I don’t necessarily mind the action, but I feel her mentally pick me apart and that grates on my nerves.

It has been at least 5 years since we had been in the same room together. Even longer since we had spoken on the phone. Our last conversation was quite enlightening for me.

Her exact words are not important now, only that what she said ruined a friendship in a matter of minutes. I was crushed by the cruelty she easily dispatched and shocked that it came from out of nowhere. It's not even as if it were some sort of deranged constructive criticism – because it totally wasn’t. It was mean and nasty and completely uncalled for.

Back to present, it’s the holiday season and you’re supposed to be nice and forgiving and friendly. All the things she does not inspire me to be.

If she were to honestly apologize, maybe I would forgive her, but at the moment I really just want her to take a long walk off a short pier.