We are approaching the end of three consecutive weeks of a weather pattern that has alternated between frigid cold temperatures (night-time lows reach -12 below zero) and snowstorms, some dropping as much as 8 inches of snow in just a few hours.
It's a one-two wintery punch that strains endurance and patience. People called these weather patterns character builders, once upon a time, because they strenghten your character as well as your body, if you survive. I have a hard time deciding which is worse, the severe cold or the accumulating snow. I read a news report earlier today that stated the snowpack, the mass of snow on ground that frozen and compressed by its own weight, in northern Illinios is 18-inches deep. That measurement doesn't include the top layer of snow that has yet to compress. It's a lot of snow.
This is commonly referred to as the dead of winter, a period when seasonal depression settles in and drains people of energy, initiative, and drive. I'm not feeling depressed, but I feel my energy levels steadily decline throughout the short days. And I find myself looking at my bed at an earlier hour during the long nights.
I suppose I have reached the chronological age when winter stays a long time and can't leave soon enough. At 60, I am at the stage when I don't want the daily temperature to be lower than my age, and I now understand why older individuals move to Florida, Arizona and other locales that enjoy warm temperatures year round.
I could go on, but I must pull on about eight pounds of layered clothing to take my dog outside for his last walk of the day. Wish me luck.
--Thank you for reading. Your comments are always welcome.
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