You Make Me Love You

The Peekskill Coffee House is a place where there's always something delightful to see.

My writing has suffered lately due to the distraction of a house guest. He arrived at my doorstep seeking refuge for a few days after a terrible argument with his girlfriend who had the audacity to call the police on him to get out. Despite the inconvenience, I couldn't leave him out in the cold, although he does occupy an excessive amount of space in the bed for someone who weighs merely 130 pounds. Having him here has been a mixed bag of emotions. On one hand, I feel a sense of fulfillment in providing a safe haven for a friend in need, but on the other hand, the disruption to my routine has added stress to my writing process. It's a reminder of the delicate balance between supporting others and maintaining personal boundaries.

Today's weather is bitterly cold, with light flurries and a gloomy sky. At last, I have the solitude I crave, hoping to accomplish more than in the previous days. While guests can be pleasant, I value my alone time far more. There's only one person in the world with whom I could coexist without distraction—a man who has my heart, yet lives on the other side of the globe. Maintaining a long-distance relationship requires constant communication and trust, which can be challenging across different time zones. The longing for physical presence becomes more pronounced during times of stress or loneliness. Yet, the anticipation of future reunions and the deep emotional connection can make the effort worthwhile.

Later, after enjoying some coffee and a blueberry muffin and observing so much eye-candy downtown, I encountered a man who collects bottles for recycling. I believe he's Mexican, always friendly and waving. He frequents our neighborhood with his shopping cart in search of bottles. Although I suspect he might be homeless, he owns an SUV packed with black bags of bottles for recycling. I invited him over since I had about 500 bottles I hadn't gotten around to recycling myself. He was delighted to take them, and I was equally pleased to have them taken. He should earn approximately $50 from recycling the bottles.

Another way to support local recycling efforts is by organizing community clean-up events where neighbors can come together to collect and recycle litter. Additionally, setting up designated drop-off points for recyclables can make it easier for residents to dispose of their materials responsibly.

Finally, educating others about the benefits of recycling and how to properly sort materials can help increase participation and efficiency in the community.

In the afternoon, the sun emerged, casting a warm glow and reducing the grayness for a brief period...

When the winter wind is a-blowin', well you never know where it's goin'
For the land is cold and the night is closing in
You can feel your heart is getting older,
you can feel the world is getting colder
And it feels so good with you standing next to me
Oh baby alright, I think I love you
--Roger Hodgson, formerly of Supertramp

Winter officially starts on Saturday, December 21, yet the bare trees, having shed all or most of their leaves, already paint a stark and wintry scene in the Northeast.