Beating the Blues

I am not a fan of February, not least because I emerge from it a year older than I entered it. The frigid temperatures, which I embrace so eagerly as a proper accompaniment to Christmas, have lost their savour and my winter pelt, so fondly cultivated during the shortest days, is impatient for a spring trim.

By the end of this brutish little month I have lost my inner sunshine. I am fractious with my children and neglectful of my Hoover. Days confronted from beneath the rim of my duvet require energies I do not possess and my daily wardrobe is limited to the two jumpers capacious enough to accommodate a hot water bottle underneath. Most cruelly, Lent falls plumb in the middle of this doleful time, depriving me of my twin props of beer and Bendicks Bittermints.

Last weekend, however, I stumbled upon an astonishing remedy for the February blues. It doesn't come cheap - at £3 it cost me more than a dose of Peroni - but boy, is it effective! The first time I tried it the world looked a friendlier place. The children left off their bickering and gaze at me with rapt smiles. The Vicar, who considers Winter the Devil's malice, set off for the morning service with unseasonable radiance and my wintry pallor showed a new glow in the shaving mirror. Even the dour lady in the Co-op looked pleased to see me.

I don't know if its powers will wear thin. Instinct tells me this is a tonic to be used sparingly. But next year, when February dawns, I'm going to be forearmed and I can't recommend strongly enough that you follow suit.



How do you get through February?

Comments

  1. Anonymous26 February 2013 at 19:38

    Liberal application of wine and a hip flask. Much like the rest of the year.

    Loving the sunnies.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Unknown26 February 2013 at 20:10

    You are my style guru henceforth.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anonymous26 February 2013 at 20:36

    Captain not-so-Sensible! x

    ReplyDelete
  4. Ruth Taylor26 February 2013 at 20:56

    Happy Birthday Anna! Being a fellow born in February I understand this post from the bottom of my soul. xxxx

    ReplyDelete
  5. Ferreroroche12326 February 2013 at 21:53

    Did the sunnies cost £3? Bargain. I get through February with two duvets and a lot of terrible tv.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Adventures of a Middle-aged Matron26 February 2013 at 22:10

      That's Primark for you! Duvets are still my favourite therapy.

      Delete
  6. Rachel Selby27 February 2013 at 05:37

    I've said it before... February is the Monday morning of the year. Only two days to go. Meanwhile, you must do whatever it takes.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Iota 27 February 2013 at 09:23

    Hot drinks and cake.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Lynn Fotheringham27 February 2013 at 14:26

    Thought it was the beret you bought for £3 and the glasses were your normal prescription reading glasses!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Lynn Fotheringham27 February 2013 at 14:30

    I thought you paid £3 for the beret (a bargain) and the glasses were your normal prscription reading glasses?

    ReplyDelete
  10. northernmum27 February 2013 at 17:37

    I have the exact same outfit, Prada?

    ReplyDelete
  11. Singing Angel27 February 2013 at 17:52

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Singing Angel27 February 2013 at 18:21

    We could be twins!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Bibsey Mama27 February 2013 at 19:49

    I love Midlife Single Mum's comment that February is the Monday morning of the year. If that is true, my birth month is Friday afternoon...

    Happy Birthday!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Adventures of a Middle-aged Matron27 February 2013 at 20:00

      Thank you! If I were Friday born I might have had a sunnier nature!

      Delete
  14. Older Mum27 February 2013 at 19:55

    Has your hair grown? Are you an Aquarius or a Pisces? Just love those shades - you've really brightened up my day! I'm such a grumpy grumps throughout this month - I totally concur with sentiments! X.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Adventures of a Middle-aged Matron27 February 2013 at 20:03

      Haven't been to the hairdresser for a twelvemonth 'cos I can't face the small talk! I'm a Pisces so slippery and cold-blooded!

      Delete
  15. Unknown27 February 2013 at 22:44

    Now that's the most fabulous remedy I have ever come across. I will be recommending it countrywide, although I am not sure that anyone will "sport it" as well as you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Adventures of a Middle-aged Matron28 February 2013 at 08:53

      You are too kind. The beret is not an obligatory accompaniment!

      Delete
  16. Anonymous28 February 2013 at 00:15

    I'm not sure if you bought wine or the glasses, but hey whichever works for you.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Rachel28 February 2013 at 03:45

    Wonderful idea - why have I never tried pinning a palm tree to my head to beat the winter blues? Not sure where to purchase such an item here at the absolute end of the earth where I live, but I shall try...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Adventures of a Middle-aged Matron28 February 2013 at 08:55

      They should, in my view, be available on prescription from the NHS.

      Delete
  18. MaidInYorkshire28 February 2013 at 14:54

    Oh, marvellous. But would you believe I like February? I would rather have two Februarys than one November.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Rachael Sterrett28 February 2013 at 15:40

    Just found your blog recently. A great tonic for February blues!!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Anonymous1 March 2013 at 16:19

    Love the specs. I cope with February by reading/watching dismal Scandinavian thrillers. The settings make our winters feel positively balmy. A cup of tea and a blanket goes with this quite nicely!
    (anon rach)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Adventures of a Middle-aged Matron1 March 2013 at 19:13

      This all sounds mighty civilised. I could have saved myself £3!

      Delete
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