Bears in the Garden
For most of us, it is either raining or snowing - but, I just wanted to remind you that spring is around the corner. Oh, please - tell me it’s around the corner.
Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, causes sufferers to experience depressive symptoms in the winter. If you are like me, the cold weather and gloomy days have taken their toll on our psyches.
I know bears hibernate, but it's time to wake up. During hibernation the bear cuddles up in a cave or in a hollowed out tree, safe from the dangers of winter (or in front of the TV with TIVO in hand). In order to survive this long period of inactivity the bear must build up its body weight by accumulating fat (Yea, like that's a concern - thanks to Thanksgiving and all those holiday parties). In the months before hibernation bears can gain up to forty pounds of fat per week (Who knew pizza and chocolate were fattening?).
While in hibernation the bear uses the stored energy it accumulated as fat to survive. So a bear can lose from fifteen to forty percent of its body weight during the winter just by sleeping! (OK, that's just not fair - I sleep - but the pounds do exactly seem to melting away).
It's been a long, cold winter. But before you know it - warm weather will return and maybe even a little sunshine with it. Flowers will bloom and the grass will grow. I promise.
With the return of spring, there is the return of possibility. Maybe, this is the year you plant the vegetable garden, or nurture grandma’s prize rose bush. Want to feel better? Go out and grow something.
It may still be wet outside, but it's not too early to exercise that green thumb – dust off those old gardening books, go online, or visit your local library – you can start planning, today!
I know some of you think you can't grow anything, that plants and people do not mix, and that any plant entrusted to you has been given a death sentence. Many people feel this way. There is help!