I was in for a shock of cold this morning when I took my daughter to school...and believe you me, my skin thought it was going into shock. Apparently I'm not a native Alaskan, Scandinavian, or Rus, because the mercury was "only" sitting at the ten degree mark. I can feel the Floridians shudder from here.
After bringing more firewood in and getting a blazing fire going in the stove, I thought to myself, I hate cold...I can't wait till it's spring.
Wishing my life away? Sacrilege! So rather than moping and pouting that it's cold and my blood has turned to ice in my veins (I'm sparing you the more earthy description my brother-in-law would give, you can thank me later), I'm going to make a list of reasons to enjoy the cold weather.
Cold Weather Love
* a true appreciation for hot chocolate, hot tea, and hot coffee...there's nothing like feeling the warmth actually spread down your throat and through your belly.
* the smell of wood smoke and the warmth of a fire
* the crisp scent of snow and ice in the air
* the delight on a child's face as they peer out the window on the first real snowfall
* the rosy cheeks on said child, the only skin visible under all the bundling worthy of the Michelin Man
* no insects...'nuf said.
* the pure ice blue of the winter sky
* the clarity of the stars in the night
* snuggling under layers of blankets and quilts in warm, fuzzy jammies
* lobster-red skin after a long, hot shower (it's horrible for the skin, but ooooo does that heat feel good!)
* soup simmering on the stove or stew in the crockpot, filling the kitchen with steam and the house with smells of goodness
* curling up with children and dogs on the couch with a story book, using all the voices and drama in your repetoire
* snow days
* birds chattering at the window as they raid the feeder
And my personal favorite at the moment:
* that it's cold enough not to break a sweat while trekking the ten minute walk from the car up the slope to class. ;)
