I have a friend who is an energy expert. He has been a consultant for wind, solar and other kinds of green power. One time he came to visit us when our electricity was down. He was not troubled by the lack of light or heat. When it all went back on he suggested that we get an energy audit, to pinpoint the leaks in our insulation. 

This week in unseasonably warm for January. Walking outside is pleasant, though there is that niggling feeling that the planet is out of whack. Later in the month there will surely be nights when I need an extra quilt and a warm mug of tea. It is my good fortune to have them. 

When I gaze out the window at the cardinals in the bushes I marvel at their resilience. While I am liable to grumble about the wind chill, or the precipitation it seems that the birds never do. They have strategies like fluffing their feathers, and sitting in the leeward side of the trunk. Yet complaining does not seem to be part of their response. Even if I spoke avian languages, which I do not, there is no hint of negativity in their songs. 

It seems like the effort I expend on criticizing the weather is like gaps in the windows. It lets the warmth I truly need seep out. If I tighten up the insulation from tendencies to gripe, I might be as content as the wrens.