A barometer is a scientific instrument used in meteorology
to measure atmospheric pressure. Pressure tendency can
forecast short term changes in the weather. Numerous measurements of air
pressure are used within surface weather analysis to help find
surface troughs, high pressure systems, and frontal
boundaries.
I am a human
barometer. I measure sunshine. These sunlight measurements forecast short
term changes in my climate. Changes may occur quickly and often. This winter season has been seriously short
on sunshine and I have spent most of my time in a trough – a butt trough on the
couch. Now and then the clouds will part, I will be showered in sunshine and, in a microburst of energy, I will accomplish all kinds of things in a whirlwind of activity.
Unfortunately for my equilibrium level, clouds reappear, the sky becomes overcast, the sun disappears and it either snows more or the wind blows harder or it gets even colder – or all three. That's when I crawl from the trough toward a frozen depression – and bake. I bake sandwich bread and dinner rolls and kolaches and cookies and brownies and muffins – because baking is warm and comforting. And then I eat what I baked.
Unfortunately for my equilibrium level, clouds reappear, the sky becomes overcast, the sun disappears and it either snows more or the wind blows harder or it gets even colder – or all three. That's when I crawl from the trough toward a frozen depression – and bake. I bake sandwich bread and dinner rolls and kolaches and cookies and brownies and muffins – because baking is warm and comforting. And then I eat what I baked.
I need sunshine. The extended outlook isn't good. That
trough in the couch is getting snug.
