Why is winter so long?

My mom called me this morning to tell me that it was -11 F with a windchill of -20.  We don't see temperatures like that here, but winter does seem to be dragging along this year.  Oh, mid-winter.  It's that time of the year when you feel like spring is never going to arrive and you're just tired of the cold.  While my parents freeze away in the snowy, barren landscape of the Midwest, I at least get temps in the 40s and, as an added bonus, slightly longer days. I can't cook or think about food all the time, so here are the things I have been doing to while away the winter days:

1) Working--reading documents and writing fascinating things about them. I just chose this image randomly, but it's one I have to read for my current chapter.

 2) Knitting--Finally finished these wrist warmers that I promised a friend more than a year ago I would make for her.  No one has ever accused me of being punctual.

3) "Gardening"--I re-potted a dying mint plant a few weeks ago.  I think the root system had outgrown the pot.  It gives me hope that I'll see more green things soon.

4) Running--I officially have a wool obsession.  I've worn this top for almost every run since I got it in December.  Niek laughs, because I get a little sad when it's too warm to wear.  Love, love, love wool running gear.  I don't look quite so pensive when I wear it, though.  I look much more like a dork than the model does.

5)Reading--Okay, yes, this is all cooking related.  Ottolenghi is one of my friend's favorite restaurants in London, and I think we were all disappointed that they were booked full during the week Niek and I were in London in November.  I got both of the cookbooks for Christmas this year, and I have a new cooking magazine subscription.  Oh, the inspiration!  Just looking at this picture is making me hungry.

I can't wait to see what Regan posts about her winter in L.A.  I'm pretty sure it's not cold and dreary there.