Could the weather affect people's willingness to socialize?

A good dose of tonic is an idea I am toying with today. It's not for me -- I sure don't need anything as I am my usual wonderful self -- I mean for some of the folks I am acquainted with. Most of the time around this part of the world, folks are mighty friendly and don't mind speaking and at the very least, nodding as you pass. The last week has been a strange one, furrowed brows and gazes toward toes, corners of mouths down and no eye contact from the fellers on the street.

I don't know everyone I meet on the street in the town next over -- you can't expect to keep up with all of them. I do recognize the family resemblance in younger generations and speak to them, ask about their parents and children. I am friendly by nature and I don't even look malicious. I'm too tall and skinny, except for a little bitty pot belly, for anyone to fear me. I go to the close town at least once a week for something, sometimes just apples for a pie.

The weather does have a big influence on our psyche as do the tides of the ocean. I don't know one thing about the ocean except that they say the tide rolls in and out. That is enough for me. I also have watched some documentaries about such things, so I probably know enough. Anyhow, there must be some strange occurrence in the wings chawing at the bit! Yes, chawing at the bit!

I sat around some on Sunday afternoon and read the paper from cover to cover. It is a nice and relaxing pastime and I can compare the network news with the printed news. Never do they correspond, but they sorta get the facts stirred in somehow. Down deep inside the paper, I found a small article that caught my attention. Some weather personnel in the Government Weather Prediction Center have come to believe the Southern area, where you and I live, is going to experience an, and I think this is correct, El Nino. That means a different and unusual weather period, I think.

My Spanish is lacking and a lot of my English, too; but I am pretty sure the electricity in some of the weaker brains has already been affected! The less fortunate are the ones whose brains are not and have not been fortified by blistering heat, freezing cold, drought and floods while trying to make a living or even living on a farm or ranch. You realize how brains are in need of firming up, and some poor souls just haven't had the experience as of yet!

It is my opinion, and everyone has one, preparing to stop and chat or, at least, speak to some of the ailing folks is the Christian thing to do. You will be required to actually stop the person and get their attention to perform the service but your time and efforts will be accounted to you for good. Brain firming takes place an iota at a time. Your chance to help is a sure-enough gift; so use it wisely and keep your eye on the weather!

Bill is the pen name used by the Gravette-area author of this weekly column. Opinions expressed are those of the author.

Editorial on 11/11/2015