By Brian Freitag
TASPL Director
The doldrums: A nautical term for the belt around the Earth near the equator where sailing ships sometimes get stuck on windless waters.
Also, a specific affliction which strikes those living in regions where winter is generally dark and several months long; symptoms being boredom, staring into space without a purpose, general listlessness, urges to carve on miscellaneous items, argue with siblings (age doesn’t matter) or speaking to your pets until their eyelids flutter.
I was watching one of my cats laying on the floor yesterday staring half-heartedly at a small ball of yarn. My Newfoundland dog was watching the cat; he is always looking for opportunity. My cat lazily swiped at the yarn ball moving it a few inches; after which my Newfoundland blitzed, grabbing the yarn. He held it in his slime cave before deciding it wasn’t worthy and expelled it onto the floor by the cat.
The cat—pressing my dog’s button—lazily tapped the ball of yarn. My Newfoundland grabbed it, held it briefly, then spat it out by the cat once again…rinse, repeat. I think it continued for five minutes before they retreated to neutral corners. The cat rolled over and fell asleep on his little fleece, and my Newfoundland Dog did the same—though on his back with outstretched legs balancing him against the wall on his bed snoring quickly thereafter.
People need something to focus on, especially after the Super Bowl. No need to fear the doldrums here! The library offers many diversions with books, games, movies and computers for streaming entertainment to name a few.
Currently the Tahquamenon Area Library is hosting a Youth Crochet Club starting this month. Meet up with other young people to learn a skill that can be used for years to come. The class will focus on the basics of crocheting; participants will make some fun projects that can be used in everyday life or as gifts for friends and family! Crochet Club will meet every Tuesday during February from 3-4 p.m.
Class size is limited and preregistration is recommended. Call 906-293-5214 or email tahquamcirc@gmail.com and happy reading!
