I’ve experienced a new personal record cold temperature of -28°F (Feb. 2, 2011). The previous record was-26°F set in February 1989.
Fortunately, there is no wind.
I guess I’m somewhat lucky in that I’ve been sick with the cold/flu and haven’t left the house in a couple of days. But, I think if given the choice, I’d rather be healthy.
Today is Imbolc (aka Groundhog Day), the mid-point between the solstice and the equinox. The days are getting longer and this makes me very happy!
It’s Sunday, the end of a Thanksgiving weekend. Today needs to be a work day for me. I am behind on projects. But I really enjoyed and needed the 3 days off. I haven’t been this relaxed, nor have I slept this well, in months. I actually got out with my camera and took photos (mostly of trains), listened to music (discovered a Ray Charles song that was later added to by the Manhattan Transfer), cooked some excellent food (squash bread, Creole shrimp), hiked in sub-zero weather (above and below the dam) and remained warm. I stayed away from the computer and caffeine and didn’t allow any schedule making or todo lists. It was like being on vacation with the comforts of home.
It’s 5:00 PM and the sun is disappearing behind the pines to the west. It’s the last evening of light. By this time tomorrow it will be dark by 5:00 PM. I really wish we didn’t have to change clocks by an hour. Some lucky states like Arizona have opted out of this nonsense. I would like to opt out, but unless everyone else is with me, it doesn’t work. Believe me, I’ve tried.
In spite of working this weekend, I took off a little early today to go for a quick mountain bike ride around Mud Lake. It’s the first off-road ride I’ve done since my accident last August. I’m all healed up from that. It was a gorgeous day.
Winter came calling two weekends ago with four days of below freezing temperatures and wind-driven snow. But winter has already taken a respite and fall has returned. I have a hard time referring to it as fall since the leaves are long gone from the trees and the predominant color is brown.
The local ski area announced it would be opening in a couple of weeks, but I have my doubts that the skiing will be any good. There is a snow storm forecast for next week. In the mean time, I’m enjoying the easier weather. The past two winters were harsh.
And now I’m off to make some homemade pizza, then go back to work for the evening.
