We’ve reached that point in the year where it’s absolutely dismal here in the Pacific Northwest. Everything looks grey, and everyone feels grey. The weather forecast is too depressing for words – thick clouds and heavy rain as far as the eye can see. I’ve lived in this part of the world for almost 40 years, and I still hate it.
This week, I’m going to do my part to combat the never-ending gloom by casting my mind’s eye back to the long days of summer, when we exposed our limbs to the warm sun and splashed in the cool ocean and generally complained that it was too hot.
I’m also going to sprinkle a bit of oddity into your week, in the form of an excerpt from the classic nonsense poem The Walrus and The Carpenter.
The rest of the poem is a surrealist delight – unless you’re a vegan, in which case the fate of some poor oysters at the end of the poem might be unpalatable.
Hopefully you’re all managing to weather the weary winter, wherever you might be! Don’t feel too sorry for me, though – I have a lovely dinner planned for tonight with some old friends, which I’m sure will provide a much needed balm for my soggy heart. Company really is the best medicine for the winter blehs.
Jane, what a fun romp with the Walrus and the Carpenter! I had not read that poem in years, and I like that the analysis ultimately ended with – does it really make sense to try to make sense out of nonsense? Thank you for sending sunshine from drabness!
This is what January is for… weather and zany poetry! — And of course, good friends with whom to gather. Enjoy!
Jane, I am sending you some summer love – it is hot and summery in my part of the world and, although I love it, I have been enjoying lots of snowy posts today. I enjoyed the surprise of your beach scene and nonsense.
I love The Walrus and The Carpenter, Jane, read it so many times with my kids! I’m sorry I’m late to your post and I hope having friends over brought some ‘sunshine’ into your evening. You have the rain, we in Denver ‘need’ the rain. Wish we could share!
Oh, haven’t read that poem in years either, like Tracey! Sorry it’s so grey there — it is here too, today, but it clears up regularly and everything is so very green that it’s hard to regret the rain. And it’s also warm here, which helps a whole lot. Ruth in Uganda thereisnosuchthingasagodforsakentown.blogspot.com
Just so you don’t feel lonely, the 10-day forecast here in Ohio is 9 more days of clouds before the possibility of sun! We’re with you in the grey and dreary, and we don’t even have an ocean!
Oh, the poor oysters, but ha! what a funny poem to read this morning. Thank you!
I’m with you on the gloomy weather. Thanks for the sunshine and the whimsy of nonsense.
I can identify with your feelings about grey winters – where I live, sunny days in winter are not very frequent, and I always revel in the blueness of the winter sky on those rare days. Thanks for sharing your sunny photo and this poetic excerpt with us this week!
I’m going through my first PNW winter and it really is something else! I’ve never seen so much rain in my life. Perfect weather for drinking a warm cup of tea!
I hope your dinner was lovely and we get some sunshine soon,
Jessica
It definitely takes some getting used to! Make sure to invest in good quality rain boots and a cozy raincoat! 😁
Heehee! Hope you had a lovely dinner with friends, Jane!