Day 187

11/18/22

It was definitely a day for snuggles! These two buddies head out to the backyard at least five times a day to run, wrestle and romp! When they return, they literally fly into the sun room to jump up on their doggy blanket. They delight me!

I usually go out to observe their antics and today was no different...even though the wind chill was on its way to -6 degrees tonight! I still enjoy the cold air and even welcome the wind to an extent.

Grandson Asher was out in his backyard playing in the snow and it brought back so many memories of my own childhood. Growing up in the 50s and 60s, my mom did the best she could do to keep us warm.

There were snowpants back then, but not the warmest of coats. I had a nylon jacket with sparse lining, but we always layered with a sweater and the dreaded turtleneck beneath. The mittens were not waterproof and our boots were actually lined rainboots. Mom would put bread bags inside as liners and make sure we had a couple extra pair of socks as well. Scarves and hats added to the armor and off we went to play in the snow.

As a child, I never remember feeling the cold as I played with the neighborhood gang. We would build forts, "rocking" snow animals, and prepare for some pretty vicious snowball fights. It was all a blur of wonder and fun...until it was time to come inside.

Mom would meet us in the back entry and sweep off all the excess snow with the kitchen broom. This was followed by the extraction of the boots...usually packed to the top with snow and ice. Then the layers would be peeled away until we were down to our street clothes. We would then run into the dining room, take any remaining socks off and put our feet on the radiator!

The transition from COLD feet to warm was a painful exercise. They would start out numb, followed by prickling and finally a burning sensation would set in. This might just be the medical definition of frost bite, but we didn't care!

My dear dad would often drive us to the skating rink at the local elementary school. Although there was a warming house, he would sit in the car, with his beloved Maltese Becky tucked into his big coat, and watch us to make sure we were OK. When we would get cold, we would skate over to the car, crawl inside and warm up. My parents were wonderful.

Now, I go outside with the pups and don the newest winter gear available. When we walk, I often add some spikes on the bottom of my shoes or boots. Even though I am covered from head to toe with warm clothing, I still feel the cold on these bitter days. One might ask, why do we live in Minnesota?

The seasons offer so much in the way of beauty. Even the hottest days and coldest nights are, somehow, treasured. Minnesotans are a different breed and the only word that comes to mind, encompassing all of us, is RESOLUTE. Whether from our heritage or from surviving the weather, we love our Minnesota! Who wouldn't?!?!?!?!