There was a short story read to me in school as a kid, that I remember from time to time, particularly at the change of seasons here in NY. When summer’s languid heat begins to fade and autumn’s crispy winds begin to blow, I very often remember the story. It is Aesop’s fable, The Grasshopper and the Ant.
The Ant works hard in the heat all summer long, building his house and laying up supplies for the winter. The Grasshopper thinks he’s a fool and laughs and dances and plays the summer away.
Come winter, the Ant is warm and well fed. The Grasshopper has no food or shelter so he either dies out in the cold, or [in various renditions of the story] begs and receives humiliating charity from the ant he teased.
(And here‘s a politicized version that is kinda humorous.)
Even as a kid, I was always a bit of an Energizer Bunny. I always found projects to work on. I also sometimes grew uneasy at winter’s approach, as if I wouldn’t be sufficiently ready for this hibernating season of shorter days, central heating, processed foods, and round-the-clock indoor living. I am feeling a little like this these days.
Many of my projects are still undone. I have electrical wire hanging out from holes, waiting to be connected or extensions to be fished through walls. My French door– the only buffer between the very cold Front Entry and the Living Room– is off it’s frame and waiting to be hung again. The kids are still in their summer clothes, and have their lists of clothing needs. Plus, I don’t even have my thermostat installed yet!
Worse, my energy seems to have dissipated, of late. I’ve been a little under the weather, and I strained my shoulder and knee. I’m hoping this is just a momentary lapse, that soon I will be back in action to batten down the hatches before the snow starts flying!
Wed, Sep 19, 2007
miscellaneous