Dead car batteries, frozen pipes, and high utility bills signal January weather in northern Colorado. The sunshine seems strained—never quite warming the skies. I bundle in hat, gloves, scarf, coat, and boots to walk to a nearby market. I do not hear the mail carrier approach since my ears are covered in layers—I startle at his sudden appearance.
Tiptoeing across frozen intersections, my eyes tearing from wind, I finally find shelter in the store. I walked one-half of a block. Wiping my eyeglasses free of fog, I scoot around the store to stock up on groceries, and under all the layers I begin to sweat.
The first blast of wind outside the door feels welcome and refreshing—the second sends me scurrying for home. I forgo walking on icy sidewalks and walk on the edge of a plowed street. Drivers glare at my lane use–grocery bags bulging against wide hips.
Through the gate, up the steps, and I am sweating again, as my gloved hand slips on the doorknob. I peel off layers and gulp some water. Why does winter feel like summer?
What a wonderful writer you are!! So true how we bundle up only to get so dang hot in a store. Winter does bring it’s challenges. I just came home to a house that was only 40 degrees for who-knows-how-long. Furnace stopped. Geez. A few days longer and I might have experienced those frozen pipes you mentioned! But… that said, I still enjoy most of Winter. Just not the stressful parts.
Oh, brrr to no furnace–you were fortunate indeed. Hope you are all cozy again. I too love winter–the cold, the snow, and quiet. The heat and I do not get along, so in spite of loving gardens and such, I hole up in summer the way most folks do in winter. After a week of deep cold, we are forecast for 50s and 60s. No wonder I am confused.
I am longing for Spring and longer daylight during the days!
I love winter but look forward to spring too. Usually gets to me in February when everything is brown and muddy.
Wonderful description Alice
What a wonderful description Alice. Your winter woes made me smile. We don’t have severe winters here but when I spent overseas, I did notice how hot it was inside the stores and so, as you say, you’re all bundled up and then you feel like you’ve walked into a heat wave. We have been having unusually warm weather here but it cooled down somewhat today which is a relief.
Very nice and descriptive! Enjoyed it.
Thanks! Warming up today!
Dead car batteries, frozen pipes, … – good intro!
Or bad karma…
I do hope I can remember the cold when the heat wave arrives this summer. I long for a climate of 70 degrees year round and I wouldn’t mind morning fog.
If you find such a place, please invite me! Camelot! I really love winter and spring and fall. Summer and I do not get along because of the heat (and mosquitoes), but it is bearable because of gardening and growing things.
I have that same problem, only with shoes and socks…
Hope the ice is cleared soon.
My boots seem so heavy–clump, clump. I can only imagine what your poor toes feel at being covered up. Altho I saw this image yesterday and wondered if it might be you:http://sidselk.deviantart.com/art/Walking-barefoot-113131162
Isn’t this the truth? I come feeling fat as the Michelin tire guy until I can unwind a few layers. And when I walk, I’ve got flashing lights and bright vests, because my ears and head are so wrapped up, I can’t hear anyone coming.
Yes, the Michelin Man! I too have a flashing light…forgot about that. All we need are backup signals–beep. beep, beep!
Very nice post. Spring will be coming, not a minute too soon for me.
Yes, these really cold days make me long for something more moderate. We are out of the deep freeze today–rather startling change.
Nice one Alice… we oscillate between fresh cold winds off the pole and hot steamy humid winds from the pacific… hard to get it right here too!!! I’m always too cold or too hot!
Guess we should be glad we can shed our feathers and fur–or put more on as needed.
I so understand…………..really I do
Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
http://deltacountyhistoricalsociety.wordpress.com
And golly my knees hurt from the sliding around! I really do not mind the cold, I just seem to be hot or cold all the time.
So true about all the layers winter weather can require. It can even be a workout taking them all off.
That was yesterday afternoon. Last night I had to return to the store, so I decided to drive and go without a coat. I nearly froze! Will I ever get it right? And work, yes–taking off layers and putting them all away is a chore.
I can feel the water in my gut, a chill in my spine, warm-air clouds brewing around my ears, a sweat trickled, my knees jazzed, I’m alive!
Exactly! Weather that makes us grumble proudly.
Nice! LOL, love the little twist at the end!
Thanks–I feel a little twisted today after all the slipping and sliding.