Doldrums

It's just past 5 pm, and it's already dusk - it would be dark if it was cloudy, but we had a (rare) sunny November day today. I lived in Seattle for 2 years in 1996-98, and I don't remember ever having a problem with the winter darkness, but now it does seem to be getting to me. Vitamin D helps, as does an infinitely patient husband :)

Also, who the heck invented the wood stove? I understand that metal conducts heat, but half the point of a fire is LOOKING AT IT. We have a stove insert in our fireplace; it heats the house fairly well but there's really not much to be said for curling up in front of a piece of hot black metal with a book.