Type Lice

Duna Frigaard

1959

All the winter vacationers are still down south but the sunshine is here in North Dakota, living up to the slogan somebody coined that goes somewhat like this:  "Sunny Nodak, where the sunshine spends the winter."

It may seem warm now by the subzero standards we've measured by in the past month, but 1958 topped it.  February 25, 1958, the mercury stood at 66 degrees in Cooperstown - a mark that's not likely to be equalled for some time to come.

I'm trying to be scientific about it and find some good use for the end of February and the beginning of March.  Reading has lost its appeal; so has knitting.  It seems too early to start spring sewing and housecleaning.  It's even too early for spring fever.  Wading in mud puddles out; I'm too old for that.

Lincoln, Washington and I have had our birthdays, Valentine's day is over, Easter is a long way off.  The seed logs are beginning to lose their charm; the furniture seems to have aged ten years since last fall.  Pretty soon it will be muddy outdoors and there'll be tracks all over the floors. 

About the only thing the end of February and beginning of March are good for is borrowing trouble.  Help yourself.

If I seem excessively gloomy, you'll forgive me.  The other day I transplanted some cactus plants and ran a spine into my left index finger.  No amount of coaxing or prodding with a needle will bring it out.  I've been typing on the cactus sticker for nigh unto two days and I'm getting pretty fed up.  It just doesn't seem necessary.