I am SAD

Unfortunately for family members, coworkers and kettle bell ringers, I am one of the millions of Americans who is afflicted with Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD -- a form of depression. Doubly unfortunate is the fact that its symptoms peak during the end of December. So, just when I ought to be ho-ho-ho-ing, I'm looking for a hole to crawl into instead.

With the progressively lengthening days of January - and the arrival of the new gardening catalogs - I begin to perk up. My focus shifts from dull and dreary to sunny and sublime.

As I wait for that time, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a truly blessed New Year.