The Difference Between Cold and REALLY Cold

with my brother Dan and sister Sally in Milwaukee circa 1959

 

[This blog is a re-post from last winter. With the season we've been having, it seemed appropriate.] 

     When you live in Wisconsin, you understand the difference between cold and really cold.     

 

Cold is when you wear gloves. Really cold is when you wear mittens so your fingers can keep each other warm – or better yet, you wear mittens-over-gloves.

     Cold is when you wear a hat and scarf. Really cold is when your teeth freeze no matter what you wear.

     Cold is when it takes ten minutes for your car heater to warm up. Really cold is when your tires freeze flat on one side and go ka-chunk, ka-chunk as you limp along at ten miles per hour until they return to round.

     Cold is when water freezes in the birdbath on your lawn. Really cold is when you see your breath in your home’s front entry.

     Cold is when the world turns white as snow blankets the trees. Really cold is when the world turns to glass as ice coats the trees.

     Cold is when there’s no sound outdoors. Really cold is when the wind howls.

     Cold is when snow wafts to the ground. Really cold is when snow goes sideways.

     Cold is when the outdoor thermometer reads thirty degrees. Really cold is when you can’t read the thermometer because it’s coated with icy snow.

     Cold is when your morning walk outfit is long underwear, sweatpants, a turtleneck, a sweatshirt, a heavy coat, hat, scarf, mittens, socks and boots. Really cold is when you add snow pants and a second pair of socks to that outfit.

     Cold is when the deer come to the feeder at dusk. Really cold is when they come in broad daylight.

     Cold is when your snowshoes slide. Really cold is when they crunch.

     Cold is when the sky is grey and you feel grey. Really cold is when the sky is sunny and you feel alive.

     Cold is when you take a walk on a lake. Really cold is when you drive your truck on it.

     Cold is when you gasp when the air hits your lungs. Really cold is when the air makes you cough.

     Cold is when you come home from walking and the house feels warm. Really cold is when you come home from walking and the house feels hot.

     Cold is when it’s nice to build a fire in the fireplace. Really cold is when it’s hard to start a fire because the wind is blowing down the chimney.

     Cold is when it’s a pain to go grocery shopping. Really cold is when you learn to invent from what’s on hand.

 

 

[This post is included in my new book, Dessert First, out soon on Amazon.com.]