My family has been overcome by sickness lately. Seasonal affective disorder, as any parent 500 miles above the equator knows, is brought on by that time of year when our children are required to wear hats, hoodies, mittens (that match) and coats.

Symptoms include ill temperament, crying, short fuses, screeching, whining and fatigue. It makes the kids crabby, too.

The condition, which we will call SAD for obvious reasons, is exacerbated by morning temperatures in the 30s and afternoon temps in the upper 50s, when outerwear is discarded by kids who are sure their hoods and scarves will never be needed again.

They are simple children. Children with no meteorological background whatsoever … (read more)