I may get rid of my refrigerator.
The weather cooled off after an unseemly spell of December warmth and last night I took pleasure in throwing a couple more blankets on the bed and sleeping with the window open (alone, at hunting camp). I was toasty warm except in the wee, small hours, I became groggily aware of a strange noise which I determined to me my toenails clicking together as the toes shivered from a strangely localized chill. Since I had to get up anyway (old man's necessity) I grabbed some more cover for the bed and crawled back into the warm spot. Just as I was drowsing off again, I was jolted back into wakefulness by the steam escaping past my ears---too hot, alarms going off, except for my toes. They were still two degrees above freezing and no change in position could change that. It's a good thing that my dear wife was not sleeping with me because in my partially awake condition I'd have pressed my toes against her, precipitating a sound thrashing accompanied by squeals and threats that would have left me awake for the remainder of the night.
Anyhow, I made it through until morning, and now that I've had my coffee I'm going to scrutinize the bottom end of my mattress to see what in the world causes it to freeze my toes. Once I determine the solution, I'm going to apply it to keeping my food and beverage cold and unplug the refrigerator. I may be able to refine it enough to replace the freezer, too, since it seems to have that potential.
Obviously, this has nothing to do with pier fishing, but I felt the need to post something so that my keypad wouldn't get rusty. I really don't miss fishing in the cold, but long absence has lent a certain attraction to the memory of leaning over the rail in a shivery December wind, looking for sheepshead to come steal the shrimp off my hook. In order to combat the attractive memory, I am going to go stand in front of the fireplace until the back of my pants get as hot as I can stand, then quickly take the few steps to my recliner and sit, feeling like I'm sinking into a hot bath. A hot beverage goes real well with this.
I hope all of you are doing well as we head toward the end of this horrible year. I'm hoping for better things next year, even though 'hope' is no more substantial than fairy dust, sort of like praying for rain. It makes me feel better, though.
Tight lines, everybody,
Haywire
