indiana territory

A SATURDAY IN JANUARY

Actually, this time in mid-January is not so bad - except of course if you are a student on the old semester system that has finals this time of year - and like myself, never, ever studied on Christmas break. But aside for that, most of the Christmas things are down and the post-holiday letdown letting up.

Of course, come to think of it, the sky is gray and has been for some time now. That is not invigorating to the spirit, but, on the other hand, it makes spending a Saturday in front of a fire with a book more inviting. But wait, I do not have a book; I have a laptop computer. But wait, the fire needs more wood. Okay, I am going to have to get up.

Do you know that you can buy a DVD or VHS video that shows a fire in a fireplace? Yes, it's true. It may sound a little tacky, but it's actually pretty cool. The sound effects can include hissing and crackling and the coals come to grow red and you don't have to get up to add more wood. With a remote, you can just replay it and some will automatically recycle.

Yes, warmth - or the lack of - could be a problem, except that a little tiny space heater by your feet feels really good and makes the fire seem so . . . . well, real.

Are you laughing at my little idea here? Ah, that is okay; others have and then become converts. A video fire, a book, some snacks.

Now, at the risk of me spoiling the winter lodge moment, let me go a step further. You want to watch sports - maybe the Colts? - okay, just bring in a little TV and sit it next to you hooked up to the DVD. Yes, this gets a little bit drawn out, but if you stick with it, it works out.

It also works out that some people find you kooky, but I'm used to living with that - and to tell the truth, it ain't that bad.

posted by Jody @ 10:41 AM