In Praise of Grey Days

I hate to admit it but over the last six months or so I've come to appreciate cloudy days.  When the sun shines I feel I SHOULD be out walking or riding my bike and in order to do either of those things I SHOULD put on sunscreen and I dislike the greasy feel of it on my face.  Ya, I know, it's a first world problem; suck it up and get out there. I often dither about, end up staying in and then I feel guilty. I'd probably enjoy myself once I got out the door but there's something harsh about the sunlight that makes me feel just a little like hiding. I don't think I'd make it at the coast where the grey days are very frequent and perhaps part of my appreciation for the dull days is that it is sunny here for many of the days in the year regardless of the temperature.

When it's cloudy and a bit chilly I feel somehow justified in staying in. It's as if the weather gives me permission to sit wearing my fuzzy clothes and drink tea. I do those things anyway but when it's dull out I'm more able to put the 'shoulds' to the side and enjoy myself.  Today the sky is overcast and the light tube above my desk casts a soft light. I'm in my warm clothes and I've just finished a cup of tea.  As I head into the shop to sweep up shavings and rearrange things again, I'll continue to ponder what it is that's so appealing about staying in these days and I'll continue to poke at the feeling that it's more acceptable to want to stay in when it's cloudy outside.