I have an odd confession to make.
I’m secretly excited when I hear of stormy skies.
When the weather watchers inform us that it’s about to get blustery or freezing or really, really rainy, I feel a little thrill. Just a little one, mind you, but a thrill nonetheless.
I know, I know. A storm can make for chaos. Trees can topple. Traffic can be messy. Power can flicker out, which is no fun at all, especially in the middle of a holiday open house when the canapés are about to go into the oven and the mulled wine is intended to be served, well, warm.
But a teeny, tiny bit of wind? A short-lived December downpour?
The only thing better is a roaring fire to keep you toasty when you’re inside looking out.
The only thing better is a fleecy blanket around your shoulders and a cup of cocoa in your hands.
“Oh, look!” I said to the husband, not long ago. I was staring at my device. “A special weather statement’s been posted! It’s supposed to drop to minus five by Sunday and there’s even a chance of snow!”
“Drat,” said the husband. “I’d hoped to be golfing.”
He can have his golf. Heck, you can work on your game almost any old time. You can’t say the same about snowmen.
When the weather watchers use the “S” word, I become more than a little giddy — no doubt because I know the “S” stuff will not be around until May.
And yes, it can snarl the traffic. And yes, it can weigh down the power lines.
But hey, nothing like cranking up the thermostat and padding around in your slippers and sweats when a bit of the Arctic’s arrived. Nothing like that kind of thrill.
But alas, when Sunday arrived, the snow did not.
The thermometer said plus three and the sun was poking through the clouds.
“Drat,” I muttered under my breath.
“What’s that?” asked the husband. He was about to head to the car, the clubs looped over his shoulder.
“Drat,” I said again. “It’s sunny out.”
“I know!” he said. “Isn’t it fantastic? I’ll see you in a bit!”
And so, on that day, at least, the husband took in a golf game and I went for a walk. The sun was rather nice, I guess. But I’d much prefer a storm.
