The knowing

Traffic was the usual stop and go crawl this morning. It was chilly out, despite having had a nice, sunny, melty day yesterday. As I rolled along in the center lane, creeping slightly faster than the right, I came upon a car with the drivers window down.

This is unusual tho not unheard of. I generally expect to see a smoker behind the wheel, or perhaps an old, crusty contractor (not sure why those guys are always so warm).
But this was a woman. As I drew closer I could see she was about my age.
I looked over as I passed  - we shared an almost imperceptible knowing glance.
Because of course I understood.
I had just shut my window.

9

It was 9 degrees this morning.
I do not say that like its remarkable in any way.
It's not.
It's often 9 degrees.
While my car was warming up I shoveled a thin layer of snow off the driveway, tidied up some edges...
My coat was open, I wore no hat. The remaining dampness in my hair froze.
I was un-phased.

Acceptance?
Denial?
Does it matter?

Does anyone talk about anything else anymore

excerpt from an email to my neighbor across the street:

I have gone into a deep, deep state of denial. My usual “weekday wine abstinence’ has fallen by the wayside.Even in less disastrous years I am not a big fan of the whole spring melt-down.Compound that with continually adding to the overall generous amount of snow already on the ground – and I am really starting to think about taking up a whiskey habit.

She replied with an offer to assist in the new habit.

I love my neighborhood.

Maxine is right. I believe she may always be right.

Elizabeth...can you confirm?