Cold!!

One would think that living in MN 39 of my 40 years that I would somehow be used to the cold. The real sad thing here is that it really isn't even cold yet. Mid forty degree weather is NOT cold in MN during late Nov. We don't even have snow on the ground yet.

I have found two things that really have made a huge change on my ability to deal with the cold. One is major weight loss, in other words, I lost my fat layer that helped keep me toasty. I'm not saying one should bulk up for the winter, but it did help. The other is age. I'm not sure exactly what that is about, but I think part of it is the older I get the less tolerant I am of most things I don't like.

Part of my concern this year is geocaching. I've given up catching up to my sister and brother with the number of finds they have under their belt, but I really enjoy geocaching and need a "fix" sometimes. In the heat of the summer it can be annoying to be out trekking in the woods. Between the humid air, bugs, poisonous plants, etc. it's just not always fun. (Until you make the find.) This will be my first winter caching, and I'm not looking forward to it but know I will have to try it. I have images of two layers of long johns, pants, multiple sweatshirts, parkas, wool socks, snowpants, big ole' boots, gloves, hats and a whole lot of complaining. I'll be sure to post it so everyone gets a good laugh in.

As a child I remember playing outside for hours on end during the winter. Sometimes with friends, sometimes alone. I'd come in with wet gloves and half frozen toes only to warm up, switch to dryer gear, and run back out for more. Walking to school I remember that the snow was really high on the edge of the road, seemed like small mountains. I always say we get much less snow now than we did then, but I wonder if that has more to do with my height then and now. (I do think we get much less snow now.) I would walk across the top of the mini-mountains to and from school at Madison Elementary. At home I would make snow angels, or snowmen, or just putter around in it. The thought of intentionally spending time in the snow now makes me cringe. I sincerely miss that youthful imagination and the ability to ignore the fact that I can't feel my toes.

I know for some the reduced amount of snow is a bummer. I completely get it and sincerely sympathize with resort owners, dealers of snowmobiles, skiers, and the general snow lovers. While all of you are sulking over the lack of snow I personally am dreaming of how I can get my family moved to the southwest. Don't worry, we'll come back to visit you with your frostbite with our tans and skin cancer. Hmpfff...I just can't win.