Thawing Out

Once upon a time when I lived in a different part of the country I used to look forward to winter, the thought of blizzards and snow storms was exciting. Our wood shed and coal bins would be filled with enough to keep us warm and cozy until spring arrived. The sound of snow plows, graders, and gigantic snow-blowers were heard regularly as they passed the house often, both night and day to keep the roads open.

Six years ago we moved to a place where winters were said to be nothing, compared to what we were used to. I have to agree with that. The forecast of snow and cold weather now gives us a feeling akin to mild terror. Snow removal equipment and techniques seem to be a foreign thing in this area. If we do have to venture out the roads are terrible and there is always the danger of being run into by a crazy person who thinks snow on roadways equals time to spin in circles and drive with recklessness unmatched at any other time of year. So we try to stay indoors as much as possible but even that isn't a pleasure when you feel like celebrating when the temperature indoors finally reaches 60. My days are spent poking at the wood in the fireplace coaxing and pleading with it to please burn a little hotter and checking and rechecking the heaters to make sure they are set on the highest setting possible. But with all that we still wind up bundling ourselves in coats and blankets dreaming of the day when spring arrives.

Last evening we were invited to one of my husbands brothers that live almost a hundred miles west of us. We jumped at the chance to have a reason to soak up the warmth from the heater in our vehicle. Since the main roads were snow free by then we headed out. It didn't take long until we were once again comfortably warm. The road we travelled took us through an Amish settlement and we met a number of buggies driving along the shoulder of the four lane. The sight of them huddled shivering under their buggy robes made me say a silent thank you that I no longer have to depend on a horse and buggy for my mode of transportation as I reached over and turned the heat up a notch.

Today my husband had to go to town on a business related meeting. When he came home with his arms full of boxes I nearly wept for joy as I helped unpack heaters and get them set up. The house is warming up and we're finally getting to thaw out a little.

It is snowing again right now. I'm still not excited about it at all, but at least I have hopes to no longer be fighting the risk of frostbite from walking through our house.