It’s so cold that the politicians have their hands in their own pockets.”
At the risk of stating the obvious, it’s pretty darn cold outside. In fact, while en route to a meeting today the van’s temperature gauge was reading -10°. After driving for about half an hour it finally warmed up to -8°. As I write this, I have a small space heater blowing on me, doing a wonderful job of drying my skin out. When I really want to warm-up, I place a hot beanbag-type wrap around my neck and across my shoulders. That does a great job of leaving me with burn blisters on the back of my neck. However, it still doesn’t stop me from repeating the ritual on days like these. It’s pretty sad when the weekend forecast of mid-30s is something to get excited about. If it’s any consolation, we are one day closer to summer.
It’s on days like these I often wonder if Northeast Ohio is the best place for me to be. It’s beautiful in the summer, tolerable in the fall, but horrible in the winter. Spring doesn’t count as that is just 2 weeks of rain. I’m already hampered by the fact that I cannot regulate my body temperature, and there are only so many shoulder shrugs one can do to try to remain warm, thus I often find myself thinking of warmer weather climates. I have a great support network in the area and the healthcare facilities are world-class, but it sure would be nice to not have to spend the entire winter in Cleveland. Even a month or two below the 35th parallel (basically, south of North Carolina) would be a wonderful change. But if it’s any consolation, we are one day closer to summer.
Most of the local schools have exceeded their “snow day” allotment and will be tacking on a few extra days at the end of the regular school year. Great for the parents, tough luck for the kids. I think I had a total of 2 snow days throughout my entire education. Reading that last sentence back I realize how much I sound like my parents who used to tell me how tough it was in their day and how easy I had it in mine. Not sure if the weather is getting colder or our skin is getting thinner, but it seems like it’s only gotten easier for today’s generation. I will be speaking to a group of 400 students this Friday. I have yet to decide if I plan to rub it in that their school year will be extended. I’m guessing it’s a touchy subject and I should probably leave it alone. The good news, though, is that they’re one day closer to summer.
Of course, I realize I am not alone and many of you reading this are experiencing the same harsh temperatures. I hope everyone is able to find warmth and manage as best as possible. I saw that Atlanta even had some snow these past few days. There was also a run on milk, eggs and bread in several of the southern states. I guess when it gets severely cold for a few days, it’s best to hunker down and gorge on egg sandwiches to survive for 48 hours. But look at the bright side, we are one day closer to summer.
In all seriousness, please say a prayer for the people and animals without adequate shelter. And of course, my continued thanks for the support and prayers you’ve offered me.
Stand Strong!
Scott
hi scott, i agree way to cold for to long and then up down up down. the temps are yoyo like, either way up or way down instantly changing. if it’s going to be cold i like it 25′ to 28′ to keep the mud frozen. i have a couple dogs who don’t like drying in the garage when they are wet. so i prefer frozen or 65′-80′ , but any temp below 25′ is way to cold for my old bones. i use my heating pad for my spine moving the pad from the neck to the mid back and to tail bone then up to the neck all over again. the pad does help keeping me warm with the afgan my mom made me before she past to heaven a year ago. the heat does help my pain a little bit also. i sure miss my mom. i want to wash the afgan but it still carries her favorite parfum. anyway if you dont have a heating pad they also make a larger version that heats same way except covers you like a blanket and not to expensive. i know a elder lady who uses one daily and she really likes it. i have a old friend living in arazona who thinks i would like it there and benefit from the weather. being a dry heat he says some of the folks he knows moved there for the dry heat and helpfull with all kinds of aches and pain. i can only think of how much worse i would look all dried out. i am not believing it would be worth a move but a possible visit may be in the future. ok scott, God Bless and Praying for you!!
Hi Scott,
As I write it is 12 above, getting warmer they say. Nothing like cold gray days to lift the spirits. It could be worse, we could be homeless. Thank God for our warm houses and blankets for assistance. One day closer to summer.
God bless.
Cherry
San Diego sure sounds good to me
Hi Scott,
Yes, we here in Toledo are getting your weather as well. I must be getting cabin fever…my house is cleaner than it has ever been !! I think the bad stuff is behind us…at least we can hope. And after all….we are one day farther from winter..
Sending some warm hugs your way
Lynn & Tom
ONLY 49 MORE DAYS UNTIL SPRING!!!! Just the sound of that makes you feel better.
How blessed those 400 students will be to listen to your words of wisdom!
God Bless You – Mary
Look at the bright side, we are one day closer to summer.
Scott,
Wine helps! It makes you feel warm and you forget you are cold!!
Scott
It is one day closer to summer ;). Even Tennessee isn’t far enough south right now. Love reading your posts, my friend!
Stay warm… Stand strong
Love
Ricky & Patty
We, too, have forecasts for the weekend and all next week of mid 30s. The difference is that we use a C instead of an F after the number, so do the math and you’ll see that we’ll have to be covered up in sun cream, hats etc while queuing outside Perth Arena for Bruce.
If it’s any consolation, we’re one day closer to winter!