Today's not just a gray day. It's the third one in a row and it's a Monday. It doesn't get much grayer than that. The worst thing about getting out of bed this morning was having to make the bed. Then I had to brush my teeth, That sounds easy, but it was a daunting challenge. I had to remove both my toothbush and toothpaste from the vanity drawer, unscrew the cap from the toothpaste, apply a dab of paste to my brush, re-cap the toothpaste, turn on the water, wet my brush - all before I could brush my teeth.

I have no energy on gray days. Everything takes longer and requires more effort, but maybe that's because I'm in my pajamas. Some people suggest you wear bright colors to cheer yourself up. I'm not going to look at myself so why would that help? The same people suggest painting the rooms of your house bright colors. They should also advise that you paint your front door an iridescent color so no one will darken your doorsstep.

My grandmother would say a day like this makes you appreciate sunny days more. Yes, Grandmother; but it's hard to look on the bright side on a gray day. Okay, I'll try. How's this? I don't have to look for my sunglasses today. Then there are psychologists who tell you not to make important decisions on sunless days. From previous experience I know it's not a good day to change your hair style - unless it's gray too.

You know it's a gray day when your husband wants to bring his boss home for dinner and you ask what was served at the Last Supper. You know it's a gray day when your dog bits the mailman and you tell him to walk it off. You know it's a gray day when your child's teacher wants to talk about his behavior and you tell her to take a number.

I knew I suffered from light sensitivity before scientists did. My husband did too. In fact, he knew when I was simultaneously suffering from light sensitivity and PMS. He'd work late - very late. He'll probably work late tonight. Nevertheless, as I sit under the plants' grow lights, the days are getting longer. Daylight Saving Time is back - but I was the one who didn't want it to leave. The end of DST is like the end of a vacation - except one leaves you in the black and the other leaves you in the red.