Colder than a banker's heart

Temperatures are dropping. Supposed to get to around -12 F. Wind chill temperatures are predicted to reach -40, doesn't matter if you prefer Celsius or Fahrenheit. Forty below is forty below.

I'm glad we have some snow cover. Snow is actually a pretty good insulator. That's why the Inuit built houses of the stuff. Since we've got some snow on the ground the frost won't be driven quite so deeply. There have been winters when having a water line buried 6 feet deep isn't deep enough. The frost goes deeper. I've seen cold Decembers like this before, but I've got to go back something like 37 years.

A couple days from now it's supposed to warm up and give us mixed precipitation. Franky, I hope it stays cold enough to remain as all snow. The driving is better on snow than ice.

We let the dog out to do her business, but it takes her several attempts. She makes it as far as about six feet from the door, then turns around to come back in. Of course, she still has to go so she tries again a little later. It might take her three or four attempts. Eventually, she gets brave enough or desperate enough. I suppose I could put a leash on her and take her for a walk, but I know how to use indoor plumbing so don't feel the need to go out.

We've been getting these little snow storms that give us only an inch or two at a time. However, since it's been too cold for the snow to melt, it keeps adding up. The weather can go from clear sky to whiteout conditions in less than a minute, then back again. If you are into weather it's pretty interesting.

I am curious to see how far south this Arctic vortex will dip. When Florida dips into frost territory, I'm just as happy to stay home. Once it's cold enough to bundle up in a jacket, it's cold. If going south doesn't allow me to wear shorts and sandals, might as well not bother.

-Sixbears