Visualizing Spring and Democracy

So, we are in the midst of the biggest storm to hit 30 (or so) states at the same time.  Isn't it just so wonderful living in these historical (hysterical) times? 

Here's a bit of trivia:  cats will play like crazy after they've eaten, and it doesn't matter whether they're inside cats (like our two boys) or outside in the weather (like the ones we try to capture and "fix" from time to time).  My husband and I watched two of them running madly through the snow, jumping each other and just having a blast.  Did you ever notice that snow tends to bring out the playfulness of animals?  Have you gone outside with your dog in the snow only to have him or her run madly stuffing his/her nose into the snow?  Both of our large(er) dogs did that.  The yellow lab loved to run alongside the kids when they were on the toboggan.  Unfortunately, sometimes she was RUN OVER by the toboggan...not the brightest dog, but she loved us.  When it comes to rain, however, animals are not so enthusiastic, and who can blame them, right?

Egypt, in the meantime, has erupted with demonstrations from her citizens who have united to oust their 30-year president.  I'm sorry, if you have a national leader, and he/she are living in a palace, and he/she has been there for that long...isn't it a monarchy (or dictator)?  Good for the people of Egypt.  And, how cool is the army (so far) that it has refused to fire on its people.  You gotta love the hunger for democracy.  And, Jordan has thrown out its governmental officials -- except the top dude who actually did the throwing out -- and is rebuilding its government.  Hopefully, no opportunistic crazy fringe group gets a foot hold over there, and the people truly gain a strong voice.

I have a snow day from college today, and I'm bummed.  I met with my Italian professor yesterday.  What a patient wonderful young woman she is...I almost hugged her when I left her office....it's an Italian thing.  Anyway, I just wanted to make sure that I was (more or less) in line with what her expectations are for the class, and so far so good. 

I'm sure being over 30 (or 40...mamma mia!) years older than my classmates definitely puts me at a disadvantage, but I am still very determined to succeed.  Losing my parents made me feel that I had also lost touch with my Italian heritage.  Along with missing them these past 29 years, I have longed for my Italian roots, and someday would like to visit the country.  Taking Italian will at least give me some foundation to understand and get around...capisco? 

So, here's to Spring/Primavera (tomorrow is Groundhog's Day) and to freedom for all our earthbound brethren.

Ciao!