Black

Black birds, in particular Ravens and Crows, are often used as bad omens in certain literary and artistic endeavours. The Blackbird does not usually have this reputation, but as I saw these two birds yesterday they represented for me, two black clouds that have been hanging over my head for a while now. The first one is the year long project of up-grading my home for energy efficiency. First there was the research, then the inspection, then the acquiring of estimates and contractors to do the major jobs, and finally, the inspection that will qualify me for the grants and rebates that were offered. Tomorrow, the final inspection takes place and I will see how successful I have been in increasing the energy efficiency of our home. I will get back to you on that.

The other black cloud is the annual agony of tax time. Today I finished my part. I chip away at it all year, but in March I have to actually sit down and document, itemize, and file all the information so my accountant can make sense of it all. The cloud is not really lifted until my accountant's computer spits out the 'bottom line', but at least I can say there is now a silver lining around this dark cloud and it is beginning to thin a bit.

Oh, and a third cloud, but not as dark as the others, and that is a dental appointment first thing in the morning. As usual, the pain will be in the wallet and not so much in the mouth. I am ready for some clear skies for a change.