Day 657

The boys decided to lounge around outside today for a "Stick Chew!" Since I could NOT make myself go inside, I sat for a bit to be the vigilant Stick Mama Police and enjoy a moment or two in the sun.

Those who have not grown up in Minnesota do not understand our behavior these days. There have been shorts sighted, jacketless children roaming about and motorcycles everywhere! We Minnesotans are giddy with disbelief and excitement! Warm weather in winter? What is happening? Whatever it is, we are out there soaking in the sun and bare sidewalks like the feeling of freedom felt by high school graduates after throwing their caps in the air. We shuck our responsibilities and embrace El Nino like a beloved friend!

Back in my own childhood, we were building six-foot snow forts and sliding down hills on our toboggans, sleds and saucers at this time of year. Never mind the lack of warm clothing! We would pull on those bread bags over our two layers of socks and shove them into our plastic boots heading outside without a care in the world. Frostbite was a given, but we knew there were radiators to dry out mittens and warm our hands and feet when our parents insisted we come inside

What IS this weather...not the Minnesota Winter we all brag about to our children and grandkids. Snow drifts up to our waists, windchills that made our faces hurt and shoveling for DAYS on end...not to mention walking to school uphill both ways in three feet of snow! This year, nobody would believe it!

For my dear Goldens and their Mama, we are embracing this winter with full hearts and warm fingers. No complaints here... except there seems to be more Golden fluff gathering on the inside as we escape outside to this glorious "winter." It may never happen again in our lifetime, so out we go for romps, walks and simply plopping down in the sun! Thank you El Nino!!!