“Winter Blues”, a copyrighted post, was written for my WordPress blog called Always Growing by Jan in Covington, Louisiana
Today was the first sunny day in over a week. Lately the weather has been warm and muggy, but today we had cool temperatures and dry air which finally made for a very lovely day. It is after having many deary days in a row that I start to understand how so many people get the winter blues. Having short days and long nights, no sun during the day because of rain or snow can make anybody depressed, but if you like to be outside in your garden, it can become unbearable.
I find it astonishing how often the weekends end up being bad weather days. During the work week the weather is fine, but then the weekend rolls around bringing bad weather, and there goes all the gardening plans that had been made earlier in the week. How disappointing. This is what happened here last weekend, and this weekend isn’t looking too good either. It is a good thing I am not planning an outdoor wedding. Those always seem to attract rain.
I am really ready for more sunny days. I am beginning to think I may have SAD or Seasonal Affective Disorder. This happens when people don’t get enough sunlight. It shouldn’t be too much longer before the days start to noticeably lengthen, and I can get back to dealing with plants instead of dealing with umbrellas.
Always Growing 
Mary Beth said,
January 7, 2009 at 9:09 pm
I’m with you! Bring on Spring! Today was also sunny and warm here in South Texas. I was acting like it was spring – until my daughter reminded me that it’s January 7th . . . mary Beth
Jan said,
January 8, 2009 at 5:35 am
Mary Beth, I would be happy with just some more sunny days, though here, too, the warm weather makes it feel like spring.
Randy said,
January 8, 2009 at 7:33 am
Jan,
I’m right there with you on the SAD thing. I use to have it terrible in years past. Then I went several years with out it and now for some reason it’s returned this year. That’s why I’ve been cross stitching and doing embroidery. The bright colors make me feel better and it keeps my mind occupied. It will be passing soon. I’ve noticed the past week or two I’ve started to feel much better.
Racquel said,
January 8, 2009 at 11:39 am
We’ve had a few days of gloomy skies with lots of rain & wind. I was happy to see the sun come out today & blue skies again. I’m looking forward to spring too! 🙂
Jan said,
January 8, 2009 at 4:58 pm
Randy, my daughter has SAD, too, and uses a light box during the winter. She says it really helps. I use the “Reveal” bulbs which gives a bright, clean light, and this helps me feel a little better. You have a good idea there about having bright colors around to help lift your spirits. Spring can’t come soon enough.
Racquel, it always seems worse to have several rainy days in the winter then in the summer. I wonder why. It seems that just about now is when everybody is looking forward to spring.
Jean said,
January 9, 2009 at 1:56 pm
When I get to feeling that way I often wonder if it isn’t because as a southerner I’m just too spoiled by mild weather and sun. So too many dreary days start to weigh down on me. I’m not sure I could ever live up north (although I sure would love that type of summer!). Hang in there. This too shall pass!
Brenda Kula said,
January 9, 2009 at 5:39 pm
I do indeed thrive when outside in the garden. And I’m lucky enough to be around enough during the week to enjoy it!
Brenda
Jan said,
January 9, 2009 at 6:49 pm
Jean, I don’t think I could take it up North in the winter, either. The summer is a different matter. I think everybody gets a little down when there are several cloudy days in a row, which we have been having a lot of lately.
Brenda, you are very lucky to be able to take advantage of good days whether they are weekdays or weekends. I just can’t believe the number of rainy weekends we have, and then Mondays turn out sunny. Maybe it is just Mother Nature playing with gardeners who work away from their gardens.