Not long ago we sent
an e-mail off to a
friend who is wintering
in a location far to our
south. In the e-mail we wrote:
``The winter doldrums have
officially descended. We are
sick of the snow, not that we
have a lot. We are sick of the
cold, which we certainly do
have.’’ In response we were
told to get ``...more exercise. It
releases happy stuff into your
system...’’ This was followed
by a suggestion to ``Keep up
the exercise. The happy stuff
increases the more you do.
Don’t you just hate it!’’ We
definitely would agree with
the last part of that missive.
We do just hate it! And we
remain completely unconvinced
about the ``happy
stuff.’’ In fact we wrote back:
``We are being to think you
are wrong about exercise
making happy stuff. We think
it just makes tired stuff.’’ Nonetheless,
we continue with our
dratted exercise program as
we must grudgingly admit it
helps greatly with our mobility
issues.
However, we don’t think
exercise alone will solve the
winter doldrums dilemma.
And that is why we suspect so
many people in the northern
climes tend to head to the
southern climes for at least
part of the winter.
And while we suspect it
works well for most people,
there can, nonetheless, be
drawbacks to that solution.
And we tend to think that our
brother and sister-in-law were
able to articulate some of
these drawbacks on a recent
trip they made to Trinidad
and Tobago.
We read about the planned
vacation on Jan. 24 in a Facebook
post which read: ``Leo
and Mary Beth are tired of
the constant grey of Minnesota
skies, the unpredictable
weather _ cold and colder,
and the lack of sea breezes,
so we are off to Trinidad and
Tobago for as long as we can
stay!!’’ On Jan. 27 we received
an e-mail which read: ``Greetings
from Trinidad. After a
mad dash through the Atlanta
airport we arrived here
on a less than half full plane
Monday night.
However, so far our bags
have not arrived although
we have been told that they
should arrive this morning.
At least it is not snowing
here.’’ The not snowing part
sounded good. The missing
bags, however, would not
have been to our liking.
On February 1 we received
word that ``After a fairly
rough ferry ride we have arrived
safely here in Castara
Bay, Tobago.’’ Rough ferry
rides are never our idea of a
good time. And finally on Feb.
6 we received:
``We are leaving Tobago
this afternoon to return
to Trinidad. We have certainly
enjoyed our stay, but I
definitely will not miss driving
on the left hand side of the
winding roads that are barely
wide enough for 1.5 cars (to
say nothing of people, goats,
dogs, and parked cars)...
We return to Minnesota on
Monday via JFK (ugh!). It is to
be hoped that whatever snow
they have had will be cleared
up by then.’’
We too would not be into
driving on the left hand side
of the road, wending our way
on winding roads through
people, goats, dogs and
parked cars.
And then, to add insult
to injury, they did get stuck
at JFK, not because of the
weather but because of mechanical
problems with the
airplane.
And people wonder why
we don’t travel more.
However, there is one more
way, which can be done from
the comfort of one’s home,
in which to fight the winter
doldrums and that would be
simple gloating. No matter
how bad the weather might
be in Cooperstown, there is
always somewhere else where
it is worse.
And this year, that has certainly
been the case. After the
recent snow storm knocked
on the Washington, D.C. area,
we received an e-mail from
our friend Jon Battle, who
lives in Manassas, Virginia,
which read: ``Photo enclosed,
of my predicament...’’ The photo
showed a yardstick stuck
somewhere outside showing
that just under twenty-two
inches of the white stuff had
fallen from the sky.
We wrote back: ``Those of
us in upstate New York would
think you have just had a
goodáold winter storm. It
wouldn’t be anything to write
home about.
However, having said that,
we fully realize that we are
far better equipped to deal
with twenty plus inches of
snow than is your neck of
the woods. But just remember,
it will melt...eventually.
Comforting, isn’t it?’’ To this,
Jon replied: ``Yeah, I figured
it would just prompt a shrug
from Upstaters. In Virginia it’s
the worst thing since Reconstruction.’’
The next day, still in our
best gloating form, we wrote
back to Jon with: ``And now
it appears that more of the
white stuff is on the way.
How could you be so lucky?’’
To this Jon responded with:
``This is, no doubt, divine
retribution for our local depravity
and general naughtiness.’’
to which we replied:
``No doubt!’’ Fortunately, we
can report, since we have
received further communication
from Jon, that he still
seems to be speaking to us
for which we are thankful.
And, of course, we are also
thankful for all the e-mails
which we have received
from far flung places. Not
only does it allow us to stay in
touch with family and friends,
thus helping to counteract
the winter doldrums, but it
has also made writing this
particular column a piece
of cake. And for that we are
indeed pleased as punch.
In closing, we note that
there are many, many quotes
about winter doldrums.
Some point out the bad side
of winter such as ``Winter is
not a season; it’s an occupation,’’
from Sinclair Lewis
and ``Winter lies too long
in country towns; hangs on
until it is stale and shabby, old
and sullen,’’ from Willa Cather.
Others, such as Percy Bysshe
Shelley’s ``If winter comes,
can Spring be far behind?’’ are
more optimistic.
However, we think we are
most taken with a quote from
Albert Camus which reads:
``In the depth of winter, I
finally learned that within me
there lay an invincible summer.
``Thus we can but think
it is really July. At least that is
the line of thinking we have
decided to adopt.
PLEASE NOTE: Comments regarding
this column may be made by mail at 105
Pioneer Street, Cooperstown, NY 13326,
by telephone at 607-547-8124 or by email
at cellsworth1@stny.rr.com.
Columns
In These Otsego Hills: Suggestions for the winter doldrums ...
- Columns
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In These Otsego Hills: The losses are adding up ...
It is with sadness that we note the passing of long time friend, and distantrelative, Jane Patrick. Over the years we have worked with Jane in a number of organizations including Women’s Club and the Community Advisory Committee at Bassett. And, of course, in later years we joined her, along with the other Dinner Belles, for any number of delicious meals. But we do think that our favorite memory that we shared with Jane was when we discovered, having both married Cooperstown natives, that we shared Cooperstown Christmas plans.
Continued ... -
Up On Hawthorn Hill: Bird Feeder?
Bird feeder is a relative term. At least that is the case around here. A few mornings ago we spotted the first rabbit to visit the feeders. Normally, all we see during the winter are rabbit tracks crisscrossing the gardens.
Continued ... -
From Fly Creek: Cheers for the Blue Rabbit!
My handwriting’s always been an embarrassment. Way back in elementary school, while most of the others were developing a clear, sometimes graceful hand (especially the girls), my penmanship showed no improvement.
Continued ... -
In These Otsego Hills: This and that ...
We have found the weather so far this year to be on the unusual side. And while we have no problem with the fact that we have received very little snow, we are of the opinion that what we have had instead is not particularly to our liking either. In fact, we are very hesitant to venture out much as we live in fear that the rain will turn to mixed precipitation which will freeze into a sheet of ice. And we are definitely opposed to encountering a sheet of ice underfoot. In fact, we are so hesitant that we now have taken to canceling our participation in events based on what just might be a dubious forecast.
Continued ... -
Book Notes: Feinstein’s latest is sheer enjoyment
Most people who follow sports have probably heard of John Feinstein. As a nationally known author, sportswriter, pundit and broadcaster, he has brought a unique angle to sports journalism. His groundbreaking book on Bobby Knight’s 1986-87 Indiana University basketball team, “A Season on the Brink,” still resonates today as an all-time classic.
Continued ... -
Book Notes: No Trekkie should miss Shatner’s books
It would be hard to find a television phenomenon as popular as “Star Trek.” Even though it was only on television for three seasons and 79 episodes (1966-69) it attracted viewers and devotees that still follow it passionately 45 years later. The fanatical supportspawned several movies and television spinoffs. Star Trek conventions continue to this day. There has never been anything like it.
Continued ... -
Up on Hawthorn Hill: Making sense of things
A book I have been reading investigates the various ways over time that we have made sense of the world. It carries the reader through to the present via several seminal classical texts and ultimately aims to suggest a strategy for “ finding meaning in a secular age.”
Continued ... -
In These Otsego Hills: ‘Property must be secured or liberty cannot exist.’ − John Adams
Last week we were asked if we would be interested in previewing a documentary, “The Empire State Divide,”produced by the Foundation for Land & Liberty. And we were more than happy to do so as we understood the documentary dealt with the problems that continue to face family farms.
Continued ... -
From Fly Creek: Now wait a minute!
On the ninth day of Christmas, driving down Cooperstown’s Eagle Street, I saw something astounding! No, not “nineladies dancing, eight maids a-milking, seven swans” etc. I saw one jogger jogging. And puffing on a cigarette.
Continued ... -
In These Otsego Hills: Goals of the past and goals of the future
We have long subscribed to the concept that we are always more successful if we, number one, set a goal and then, number two, meet it. And this was our thinking when we decided before Christmas to watch at least part of every college football bowl game. It was perhaps an odd, if not completely nonsensical, goal.
Continued ... -
In These Otsego Hills: Not to our liking ...
It is with sadness that we note the recent death of Steve Nagel. The son-inlaw of our late husband’s cousins, Alice and Harvey Eckler of Fly Creek, Steve was married to the Ecklers’ oldest daughter, Gail. We had the pleasure of spending Christmas Eve with the Nagels and the Ecklers in Fly Creek, greatly enjoying the delicious food and delightful conversation.
Continued ... -
Up on Hawthorn Hill: Of birds and faith
I watch birds quite a bit. Every five days or so I send in a report to Cornell as partof its annual Project Feeder Watch program. The data, collected from volunteers from all over the country, enables scientists to track population trends. I would spend quite a bit of time checking out the visitors to our feeders anyway. Participating in the feeder program makes a personal pleasure that much more meaningful. It is rare that aesthetical and scientific endeavors work in tandem.
Continued ... -
Book Notes: Biography captures the real Stephen Colbert
It would be hard to find a comedian as unique as Stephen Colbert. As the host of “The Colbert Report” on Comedy Central he hasmanaged to leave his mark on the nation’s consciousness in both a serious and humorous sort of way. His unusual wit has allowed him to become American icon. It would be difficult to find another entertainer quite like him.
Continued ... -
From Fly Creek: Christmas and varied blessings
I’m still astounded! The last farmers’ market before Christmas, I was sitting up front, directly under the ceiling heater, shmoozing with the hoi-polloi. (That’s an awkward linguistic mix,but let’s let it go.) As I sipped my hot coffee, a gloved hand came to rest on my shoulder and a warm voice said, “Merry Christmas, Jim.” I looked to my left—it was Santa Claus!
Continued ... -
In These Otsego Hills: Always a learning experience ...
We must admit that we thoroughly enjoyed our 2011 Christmas celebration. We partook of Christmas Eve dinner at the home of Alice and Harvey Eckler of Fly Creek and Christmas Day dinner at the home of Sandy and Al Bullard of Milford. We had our usual Christmas Day brunch at home on Pioneer Street, although we must admit it was a tad bit later than usual as, what we enjoyed most about Christmas, namely our granddaughter Abby, took a great deal of time opening her Christmas presents.
Continued ... -
In These Otsego Hills: Coming up ... 2012
Difficult as it seems, 2011 is fast coming to an end. And it is always our hope that as a year draws to a close, the issues which have been in the forefront during the year will be resolved. Unfortunately, we suspect that will not be the case this year. Instead, we are fairly certain that many of the issues that plagued this year, will continue to plague next year. Thus we will find ourselves still musing about the same issues we have spent time with already. And while we have not come toany conclusions about many of the issues, we do think they would all likely benefit from both sides thinking critically about perspective, risk assessment and possible solutions.
Continued ... -
Up on Hawthorn Hill: Circularity
When she was a puppy my dog Gabby would run in what I described then as “circles of joy.” She celebrated her15th birthday a few weeks ago and despite the inevitable frailties that old age imposes upon all of us, she is doing pretty well.
Continued ... -
Book Notes: Grisham doesn’t disappoint
John Grisham is one of this country’s most popular authors. Every time he publishes a book it’s an instant best-seller. He appeared on the scene about 20 years ago with his tense legal thrillers, “A Time to Kill” and “The Firm,”and hasn’t stopped producing top-notch novels since.
Continued ... -
From Fly Creek: Still singing, beyond our hearing
This column from Christmas 2001 still speaks deeply to me, and perhaps will to you, too. Take it, please, as my Christmas gift.
Continued ... -
In These Otsego Hills: The 2011 Cooperstown Carol
Since 1984, with the exception of one year, 1999, we have looked forward at the end of the year to going through all the issues of the paper in order to glean those news items which have been worthy of note throughout the year and which should make their way into our annual Cooperstown Carol.
Continued ...
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In These Otsego Hills: The losses are adding up ...
