Outside my Kitchen Window

Looking outside my kitchen window, I realize it is another day in Winter Paradise. The weather forecast says a high of 18, a low of 14. Hmmm. I think it sounds ironic—all of this reporting of “highs” and “lows”… I mean-- "Really? A high of “18”?? In my mid-winter mind, there is nothing high about “18”.

So many decisions to make…should I wear my brown parka, with matching Sorel snowboots, brown scarf, gloves, snowmask and ear muffs or should I wear my down ski vest, five layers of thermals, leather gloves, and snowpants? These are the thoughts that occupy my mind E-V-E-R-Y-D-A-Y.

My favorite TV channel since moving to the Midwest has been The Weather Channel. My kids laugh and are slightly embarrassed for me, but it helps me cope, mostly in the winter. If Carl Parker tells me that it will be 35 degrees and sunny on Wednesday, I count on it—I live for it! Sun is a rare commodity in January in Ohio.

Canela trying to catch some winter rays...where are her paws and I think her bottom must freeze??!

This winter I’m hoping to change my attitude and look for the virtues of my cold-weather climate. As I have looked, I realize there are a few. First, snow is really beautiful—it makes our trees white and puffy and our yard is like a thick cotton blanket. Snow is also fun—sledding, snowmen, snow angels. Done that and made a few this winter; now we need to find a hill so we can ski! Snow slows things down a little bit too. We drive slower; occasionally, we even have a “Snow Day” and school is cancelled and we play games in our pajamas or go to movies. And, then I remind myself that all of this snow, and sleet, and ice will eventually melt and then come the beautiful trees and green hills and grass—all of the things I really love about the Ohio countryside. So I will impatiently wait to thaw and count the days until Spring!

Shopping in NYC...a balmy 19 degrees. Don't you love the 10-layer look?