Winter for the Wisconcitizen

I am a MI girl. I was born in Grand Rapids. And I spent 6 years of my adult life in MI as well. Winter is not exactly a picnic there. For several years, we lived in Watervliet -- an itty-bitty burg in the "lake-effect snow zone" near Lake Michigan. Recently we moved to WI. While the move was in process, people asked me if I was ready to be cold.

Am I ready to be cold? What kind of question is that? I'm a MI girl, for Pete's sake! You think I don't know what winter is? People then looked at me wisely, smiled politely and changed the subject.

Haughty of me, I suppose. Now I know. And, no -- I'm not ready to be cold!!!

When the thermometer launches into the 20's -- I think, -- oh, it's warm! I won't need so many layers! I wear hiking boots to Walmart in order to accommodate that extra layer of wool socks. Sometimes I just keep my bib-overall-snowpants on inside the house. Cuddle Duds are a standard part of the WI wardrobe (along with a great deal of green and gold). I have a personal relationship w/my space heaters -- one at home, one at work.

I try to remember to run down to do laundry while I still have my boots and coat on -- so much more comfortable. Actually, our basement is so very cold that I have considered just washing the laundry in a bucket in the back yard because it might be warmer!

If the refrigerator gets too full -- no problem. We can just store the perishables in the kitchen cupboards -- plenty cold in there!

A previous owner of our antique house explained to us the importance of running a fan behind the vent to the pipes to the shower in the master bathroom. Failing to do so might allow the pipes to freeze. Doesn't that create images of a warm toasty bathroom? We didn't follow his directions one night, and the water in the shower drain did indeed freeze. After a few minutes of running the water, the ice melted and the water drained. Thank goodness!

Even on the most painfully cold days, I still walk the dog about 3 miles. Sometimes I think it takes longer to put on all of my layers - and later take them off again -- than it takes to walk the 3 miles! Don't envy my "Nanook of the North" fashion statement!

This week -- on Wednesday -- March 23 -- we received 6 inches of fresh snow. So --yeah -- WI stands for WInter! I gotta run. I need to empty the dryer before the clothes get freezer burn. Where's my parka?