Wayward Car Keys and Toxic Jellies
The time change has left everyone in the household feeling out of sorts, making this week a bit cranky. Despite this, joy is found in music, the Leap Scarecrow Festival, and daily walks with the dogs.
The Impact of ‘The Hour’
The shift in time, known locally as ‘The Hour,’ has disrupted our circadian rhythms more than we expected. Everyone feels cranky—like a bag of cats. In fact, so many issues are causing frustration that I’m tempted to campaign for the time change to be abolished altogether, once I can gather the energy.
Seasonal Retail Disappointments
Just before Oíche Shamhna (Halloween) had even arrived, retailers had already moved on, favoring Christmas products. Finding a last-minute pumpkin or monkey nuts was impossible. Inflatable snowmen, gingerbread men, red ribbons, and Santa decorations were abundant, but pumpkins were nowhere to be found.
"The snap apple didn’t even have a chance to turn brown, when its moment was over."
Even the skeleton decorations, which never truly had their moment, were hastily put back while the Christmas tree was almost tempted to come down from the attic early.
Author’s Summary
Despite the chaos caused by the time change and early holiday rush, small pleasures like music and walks still bring moments of joy amidst the crankiness.