January 13, 2005

Winter Secrets from Minnesota

Ever find yourself wondering how we do it here? Why we choose to stay winter after winter with forecasts like today's:


THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN THE TWIN CITIES HAS ISSUED A WIND CHILL ADVISORY. NORTHWEST OF A LINE FROM CAMBRIDGE TO LAMBERTON... WIND CHILLS ARE EXPECTED TO GENERALLY RANGE FROM 25 BELOW TO 45 BELOW UNTIL MIDDAY FRIDAY. SOUTHEAST OF A LINE FROM CAMBRIDGE TO LAMBERTON... AND OVER WEST CENTRAL WISCONSIN... WIND CHILLS ARE ANTICIPATED TO BE MOSTLY IN THE 20 BELOW TO 35 BELOW RANGE THROUGH MIDDAY FRIDAY.

THESE LOW WIND CHILLS WILL RESULT IN FROST BITE AND LEAD TO HYPOTHERMIA IF PRECAUTIONS ARE NOT TAKEN. IF YOU VENTURE OUTDOORS... MAKE SURE YOU WEAR A HAT AND GLOVES.



Well the reasons to live in the Twin Cities are very numerous, including a thriving homeschool community but you really do get used to the winters, even if you are not born here. We have been here four years and before that I have lived in New York, Portland Oregon, Northern Illinois, Boston MA, and deep south Georgia. Minnesota winters are cold and we typically have a lot of snow though this year we have less than three inches total! Here are some of the secrets I have found to make Minnesota winters enjoyable:

1. Silk Undergarments - way better than long underwear they are very comfy, lightweight and warm! Under a pair of jeans they will keep you warm for hours. Get the tops too and you will not be cold again.

2. A good jacket - it is worth the money. Here is the one Serona and I like from LL Bean, we got ours at the end of the season on clearance.

3. Mittens that convert into gloves and have a leather palm, like these. This allows for driving, an ability to do things you can't without mittens but the immediate warmth of mittens when you need them.

4. An attached garage, not neccesary but very nice! A car starter would also be nice, we do not have one.

Truly you get used to it and you don't feel cold until it goes negative. Even the kids get out and play when it is in the double digits. And of course when it gets this cold you try to tuck in drink hot chocolate and tea and enjoy each other.

Peace,
Tenn

1 comment: