the sunshine is deluding. the forecast predicts heavy snow and ice later in the day. the temperatures have dropped again. i know it is completely irrational to hope for spring in the middle of winter, in the middle of February. but the days get longer and the longing too.

My cat returned this morning. she has been out for over 24 hours. i hate it if she stays out during a cold and freezing winter night and one can hear the coyotes sing their deadly songs in the fields. My cat is so small. she came in, ate her food and now she is again jumping up and down the windowsill, staring outside, then looking back at me, clearly asking to be let out again. I'm hesitant. it will snow, it will get even colder. what in the world is she doing out there?  who is she looking for? i just opened the door and let her go. she is slowly walking over the neighbors lawn, jumping over the little creek and off she goes. May her day be cheerful. 

the house is empty without her presence. she has a very calming and soothing effect on me. just watching her eases my mind, when she is curled up like a little fur ball, sound asleep.

its' now the third night where i managed to go back into a deep sleep after waking up at my usual time around 2 pm. i was awake for a while. it seemed. however, it felt  wonderful to wake up in the morning after a solid four to five hours of uninterrupted sleep. deep sleep.

i will go running. it's the every-other-day run today. i will sand the side table and i will paint it.

for whatever it is worth.