Ten minutes to write. Less time to read.

As the new year settles in, I’m inclined to hibernate, not because of January’s arrival but because of the cold temperatures, snowy conditions, and gloomy skies that accompany it. The good news is that it makes for a lot more reading time in the evenings. Some of it is even quality reading time.

For instance, I just finished The Patron Saint of Liars by Ann Patchett. I considered it quality reading, although I absolutely disliked the heroine and struggled to finish to book. But Patchett has written one of my recent favorites, Bel Canto, so I cut her slack.

I’m also reading my weekly copy of “The Nation,” and if you’ve followed any of my mini-essays you probably understand why. I call it quality reading for those politically challenged people living in blue states. (This is absolutely the last time I will refer to the polarizing blue/red label!)

Finally, I read the mail that ends up on my office chair, delivered by Earl. When he reads an article that interests him, he often marks it up and passes it on. This morning’s collection included the “Berrien County Sportsman’s Club, Inc. Newsletter,” which is printed – interestingly enough — on bright pink paper.

The current issue provided helpful hints, a la Heloise. One is printed here for your consideration: “For icy door steps in freezing temperatures, get warm water and put Dawn® dishwashing liquid in it. Pour it all over the steps. They won’t refreeze.”

Earl even went to the supermarket this afternoon to get the correct detergent, and I plan to try this hint in the morning. Who knows! It could prove that the Sportsman’s Club newsletter offers the highest quality reading of all!