With record breaking cold temperatures being reported all over the country, it’s not that I NEED a picture to prove it, but I’m posting one anyway. Even though I’m An Illinois Girl, my dad grew up in Southern Illinois overlooking the Mississippi. As a result, I ended up with a fair amount Missouri Show Me. This is my definition of Crazy Cold. Thankful for a warm home, enough food and lots of layers of clothing when I go outside to shovel or with my dog, Blue.
January 6, 2014
I reported at 6:15am, “Blue is sleeping in. Smart dog.”
Of course, just like with human children, when you remark on their sleep habits, they do the opposite to prove you wrong and by 6:38am, my Blue dog appeared beside my bed to see if I was awake too. I scratched his velvety ears and then he woofed to say, “Get up already!” I did.
In record time that dog and I went out and were back inside before 7:00am. Here’s my micro report from that excursion:
At first Blue went romping through the snow drifts thinking, “Woo hoo! This is fun!” Then he started limping and holding up a back paw. Suddenly the spot in front of our house between the sidewalk and curb, where the wind blew the snow down to where you can see the grass with a fire hydrant conveniently located nearby was THE SPOT and we’re both back inside. Dog looked at me not quite sure what kind of snow and cold that was today, nothing like the fun of yesterday. I told him he was a good boy and to go get warm. He ate a bite and is stationed in his front window watching post now. Good morning. Safe travels if you must.
The Weather Channel app declares it is -17*F and feels like -45*F. I keep calling it crazy cold, which is evidently what comes after snot freezing cold on my thermometer. I’m obviously not A Weather Girl. Usually I just wake up, get dressed enough and head outside because it’s time to walk the dog.
January 6, 2014
This is crazy cold. I don’t mind winter as a rule. I like the coziness of the clothes and the comfort of the soups and stews. Hope it’s a quiet night for those working and everyone stays home and gets along.
January 5, 2014
KRB: Gdnt. Ly.
Love you too
It started snowing
Gently
Lightly
Pretty l’il flakes
Nothing that seems menacing
January 4, 2014
10:40pm
We’ll know more in the morning
Predictions made for the amount of snowfall and subzero temps had people buying groceries until the shelves were literally empty
I stayed home
Evening napped
We have enough
Even if we are snowed in for a few days and run out of stuff
We’ll be OK
My boys and I
Human and canine kind
Cat too
We’re “all good”
Goodnight
Powdery Freshly Fallen Snow + A New Tennis Ball For Christmas = The Best Day Ever (if you are a Blue dog)
January 2, 2014
The first sunrise of 2014 was lavender and hot pink. Vivid, bright, streaks of pink, and me without my camera. Blue and I walked through the park. The only sounds his tags jingling, my cowgirl boot falls and one crow, but thankfully for just a l’il while. Shoo shoo. No cars. No joggers. Quiet, as the sky woke up with color. I didn’t look at the temperature before we set out. I looked at it just now: 17 degrees, feels like 2, and me without my scarf. Brisk, cold air and snow don’t bother me, though I’m not a fan of ice. I noticed we also have a winter storm advisory. OK. Sure. Whatever. I’m taking it as it comes, not fretting. Hello, 2014. I didn’t stay up to greet you at midnight, but I saw your first sunrise this morning, and it was as fabulous as the promise of this new year ahead. GOOD MORNING!
January 1, 2014
7:45am
barefoot in boots
this morning
grabbed ‘em fast
cowgirl kind
my pair for courage
I’ve worn ‘em
for the past two years
dog’s been gnawing
on my snow boots
snow is melting
rain is falling today
leather cowgirl boots
were fine for driving
both my boys to school
my newest pair o’boots
are sporting zebra stripes
they are made of plastic
perfect for puddles
and walking in the rain
it’ll be rain boots
for the rest of today
December 20, 2013
Sunshine filters through pale blue curtains as the ceiling fan whirs above. Rain is forecast for later, but the day begins with sun. I’m lollygagging and not rushing out of bed. Usually by this time (6:30a.m.) Blue dog woofs from the main floor saying, “Anybody there? Hello. Remember me? I gotta go!” How could I forget?! I’m smiling in anticipation of our morning walk and thankful for the sunshine upon waking. Always. I shall appreciate it all the more, knowing rain is coming around noon.
May 30, 2013
I awoke and looked out the window. That is something I usually do. Today I needed to verify that I’d be back in my snow boots to walk Blue. Sure enough. We got enough snow overnight to nearly cover the grass. That big ol’ dog and I set out on our usual path, sorta mosey-walkin’-strollin’-tuggin’ as we circle ‘round the block and through the park. Blue had fun snow walkin’, with his nose poked through the white stuff, to sniff all o’er the ground. I’m not sure if there is more snow on the way… I’ll just watch out the window to get my answer. Just wanted to let you know the latest in Bloomington, Illinois Weather…’cause if it’s not one thing, it’s another. Hope you have a great Sunday, Palm Sunday at that!
March 24, 2013
“looks can be deceiving”
I walked through the park
with my big sweet pup
midday, as we often do
the sky is quite lovely
a gorgeous shade o’blue
the clouds are puffy white
and daydream-like
from the window
things look balmy
but that March wind
blows in great big gusts
hits you hard
and knocks you back
it’s still Lion Time in Illinois
even today
on the first day of Spring
brrrrrr
I’m downright cold
still feelin’ chilled
even back inside
within the warmth
and comfort
of home
March 20, 2013
Turquoise Tangles 