Thursday, January 14, 2016

Dead of Winter

Not sure where I heard the saying “We are in the dead of winter.”

It must be that part of winter that is coldest, windiest most miserable time that makes you want to hibernate and not wake up until spring.  We have been way, way below zero, too cold to talk about… and the wind is raw and goes right through you.  One night we had windchill warnings…the kind that said “Cover all exposed skin, exposed skin can freeze in just minutes.”  I wonder if eyeballs  can freeze too?

Chance lifts up his paws trying to warm them… in a dogs mind I suppose that works.  
Dead of winter
We got all bundled up one day for Dental Appointments, afternoon appointments.  I never try and schedule anything for morning in the winter.  By afternoon our weather usually warms up and roads are better to travel.  Far Guy did great, I had xrays that revealed one small cavity and I need a repair of one of my fillings.

Far Guy took the refresher class for Defensive Driving yesterday.  A program in Minnesota for drivers over 55 years old, if you take the class you get 10% off your Automobile Insurance.  So he is done for another three years.  He said he picked a non perfumy corner to sit in and in walked three retired teachers that were having a perfume war. 

I attended Vi’s funeral.  It was a packed church, Vi was well liked and had many friends and relatives.  After the service her Granddaughter spoke very eloquently about her Grandma.  She began with “Two weeks ago I would never have thought that we would bury Grandma today.” It was a long service…one of those High Masses…those Catholics once they get you in church they don’t want to let you back out again.  I skipped the funeral hotdish…although I bet it was good because it was one of Vi’s recipes. 

Just down the road a bit there was an accident the other night and a young person was ejected from his vehicle and killed.  I knew his Mom, she was a First Responder in an area that is adjacent to ours. His family must be incredibly sad.

Life is fleeting and in the blink of an eye it can change.
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22 comments:

linda m said...

We have been having the same kind of weather here. Hubby has forbidden me to go outside for a daily walk as he's afraid I'll fall on the icy sidewalks and freeze to death. I am getting tired of being house bound. Suppose to warm up a little today, maybe I can get a walk in. Glad to hear your dentist appointments went well. Keep warm and be careful when you go outside.

Henny Penny said...

Gosh, and I was thinking 27 degrees was extremely cold here this morning. 27 would probably feel warm to you folks.

Country Gal said...

We got another dumping of snow over night and maybe more today . I go out in the snow and cold but I bundle up and put grippers on my boots for any ice there is no way I can stay indoors day after day I would go nuts have to get out for some fresh air and a walk about . Glad Far Guy did well in the driving test and your dentist visit went well . Sorry to hear of the accident and loss of life . Take care in this cold and snow and have a good day !

Linda said...

We chinooks off here but I see the sidewalk is white again...even in the dark of morning.

DJan said...

Isn't that the truth? In a moment everything can be different. I'm so glad FG did so well and if I lived in Minnesota I think I too wouldn't venture out much in the "dead of winter." Giving thanks for all the days and years I've had YOU as a friend. Don't go anywhere and I'll not to either, okay :-)

Anonymous said...

Those courses for defensive driving are great. I took the classes for several years and the last course I took was on the Internet which was really great. No need to hunt up a class and I actually enjoyed taking the online course and test. It was an AARP course which I found online. I passed with flying colors and was very happy to get the usual 10% car insurance discount. It was worth the course fee charge and I came out ahead.

Shirley H.

Tired Teacher said...

Most of my winter appointments are scheduled in late morning or early afternoon for the same reason; plus, I'm a bit of a wimp anymore and don't like the cold. I've signed up for the senior driving class, too. It's good to get a refresher: I wish more drivers (not just seniors) would do it.

Life is to be treasured and lived every day.

Shirley said...

The dead of winter is pretty mild here, we got a snow/rain mix and that is supposed to continue for a few days. I don't miss that cold that freezes the snot in your nose as you breathe! We had that as a child in this area, but not in the last almost 20 years. I read all your other posts about the resort, that sure was a long commute for Far Guy, he must have loved living there to do such a long commute. But what a great place to raise your children.

Rita said...

Glad FarGuy passed his driving test and dental exam with flying colors (and a bit of perfume cloud for one). I hope all goes well for your visit and that it is warmer by then. We finally got up to 18 degrees yesterday! Heat wave! Man! It has sure been cold. Wind chill warnings every time you turn around. Poor Chance! Not too much longer, I hope, and we'll stay above freezing a bit--or at least above zero.

Patsy said...

You have had a busy week,We had a horror getting our drivers license changed
from Arkansan to Tennessee.

Lynn Hasty said...

Ugh. Hate hearing of wrecks. And just today was updated on a woman here locally who was nearly killed and her granddaughter WAS killed when a driver crossed the line and hit them head on. So sad.

I love your comments about eyeballs freezing and a non-perfumy corner. Ha ha.

Lynn

Karen said...

Your weather sounds brutal:( We are back into a mild spell. The frost is coming out of the ground, and some sunshine predicted for today, otherwise lots of rain. When we drive to Oliver in the winter we too try to hit the spots that have the potential of being the worst, in the afternoon as well, as the roads are the best then.
So sad about the young person killed. When I read 'ejected from the vehicle' I always assume no seat belt was worn:(

Gail said...

Life and death both hold much sadness.

Unknown said...

We got a couple inches of snow to cover our ice. Just makes the ice that much more dangerous since you don't see it lurking under there. I am do PT three times a day for my ankle that I hurt in a fall.
Stay warm and safe!

Red said...

The extreme cold goes right through me. It's a wise idea to o out in the afternoon.

Primitive Stars said...

Dead of winter is right, so so cold here too...Blrssings Francine.

Jacqi Stevens said...

Oh, how painfully sad! Granted, it's awful to lose a loved one, no matter the age, but somehow, saying goodbye to one so young seems a community tragedy. My condolences and prayers for everyone touched by this unexpected loss.

Terry and Linda said...

You are so right...life is fleeting we need to reveal in the moment.

Linda

Anonymous said...

Just had our coldest weather yet for the year. Hurts when it comes after very mild days. I saw your comment wishing the Pres was going to Hawaii soon and I agree totally, I really can't understand why others can't see the PROBLEMS.

lisa said...

So true, Everyday should be lived like it will be your last. We can't predict when the good lord will take us. I think the hardest is the people that are left behind.

Linda Reeder said...

Not quite sure how to respond: good news, bad news, sad times, life altering events - I guess that's life. We'd better live it while we can.
Stay warm.

Leilani Schuck Weatherington said...

Yes Far Side you are absolutely right. We have no guarantee at all of the next breath. I suppose you wouldn't know what to do with yourself if it was 50 degrees (above 0) tomorrow -- it was that here today. I don't particularly like the cold, but this isn't normal and it is making me nervous.