The weather map shows ominous arrows sweeping down from the frozen tundra of the North and pointing straight at our little slice of the Ohio River Valley later this week. This is when we realize (and usually quickly forget) that, although we live in Kentucky, we are not really part of the South. (At least weather-wise.)
We live in that geographical band that, many times, separates rain-storms to our south from snow-storms to our north. And so we get ice. And freezing rain. We get the normal rain in winter, too, like our neighbors to the south, and sometimes, we get snow, like our pals up north. But we get the ice, too. And, boy, can it do some damage.
Batten down the hatches.
This is also the time of year that encourages nesting, hibernation, and inner reflection. I find myself tempted to shamble, bear-like, to the larder to see what might help me prepare for a cold winter’s night. I convince myself I need the extra calories to stave off the cold. I’m the equivalent of a grizzly slapping salmon out the river and gorging myself in order to make it through the lean winter months. In addition to inner reflection this may also be the season of self-delusion. But what’s a body to do?
Lots of preparation to be done around the house. Drafts are located and sealed–Or at least the attempt is made. Woolens are dug out of moth balls. Hoses drained and put away. Insulation spot-checked and bolstered, if necessary. Compost pile turned (probably the last time until a spring thaw.) Winter bedclothes are pulled from the closet–A down comforter is nice but flannel sheets are mandatory. (Important Safety Tip: If one attempts wearing flannel pajamas to a bed sporting flannel sheets, the effect is much like Velcro; one could become trapped.)
This time of year also gives us a chance to tackle that stack of books on the bedside table. Maybe get a few read before it topples over. Winter is definitively the season for reading. But do I start from the top down, the bottom up, or try to prioritize in some way? Alphabetical order? Dewey Decimal System?
I like living in an area that has real, honest-to-goodness seasons. There is something to love (and, of course, to complain) about each one. By the time November arrives, we’re happy to see Ol’ Man Winter. Check with us again in February, we’ll probably be singing a different tune.
What are you doing to get ready for winter? Anything special you look forward to this time of year?
“And that all the things of the universe are perfect miracles, each as profound as any.” ~Walt Whitman
NestOfSquirrels 