On Being an Optimist

With increased visits to mental health centers by the general population, we decided in the interest of preserving our mental health, we need an alternative tactic.

It is called screens.

We decided it is time to "detail our house," our term for our semi-annual through cleaning. Like places that detail cars, it is periodically necessary to route out all traces of grunge. Washing the outside of windows will have to wait a few more weeks for hoped-for warmth. However, we have made the inside of the house our target.

We take one room at a time. Everything is washed (except walls and ceilings). Clutter is eliminated. Closets are organized - though we are not foolish enough to put away our winter coats. We did hear of some folks caught up short this last snow-storm, having taken their winter coats to the dry-cleaners. An questionable act of faith, I must say.

Pixie the Cat intensely dislikes all this activity because it involves the vacuum cleaner, which she regards as a blue-colored terrorist. While her sister, Maggie the Cat finds all of our energetic efforts a great source of entertainment. Me? I am discovering muscle groups hiding-out in various parts of my body!

I ignore looking out the window as I wash it. Since it looks like January outside, I do not wish to jumble my brain, causing it to freeze up like my computer does occasionally when it receives two opposite sets of directives. No one around here washes windows in the middle of winter.

Then with great optimism, we put screens on the windows that open outward! Every fall we take them off to allow as much light into the house - but springtime means mosquitoes - which means screens.

Do mosquito eggs hide out in such unusual times? Waiting patiently for enough warmth to hatch and plan their attacks on humans. And what about the spring warbler wave that happens the first week in May? What will these little gems do if they fly north and find no mosquitoes?

Now, now. No more of such talk. Optimism is the rule of the land in our house! At least we will be ready when mosquitoes, known as Minnesota's state bird, arrive on the scene.