Below Zero, Yuck

Below Zero Can Go Away

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Living in Wisconsin has its perks. My husband and I love the three seasons. Oh, that’s right, there are four. I can tolerate winter, but does it have to be below zero?  Spring, summer, and fall, who doesn’t want to be outside enjoying the beautiful Wisconsin weather?

Summer is my favorite. If I’d ask my husband, he may say the fall. He loves the cooler weather and having his own lawncare business; fall is clean-up time. There is nothing more beautiful than the trees in the fall. Brilliant oranges and reds, the colors pop.

The roadside scenery is breathtaking, bringing a sense of calm serenity. We could drive for hours looking at the stunning, alluring wooded countryside.

Everyone Stay Warm

The winter months leave me struggling, wondering why we live in Wisconsin. There is a place in my heart that aches when I think of all the animals in the cold. Nothing is worse than below-zero weather. I am unsure how deer, rabbits, foxes, and dogs survive. Some do not; I’ve heard horror stories of frozen animals. Mother Nature can be cruel. Humans can be careless and selfish, leaving a dog in a dog house on a below-zero night. I’m not a fan of dogs being outside anyway. Dogs love being around people. Why get one and tie it up outdoors? It makes no sense to me. In addition, if we asked the dog which he’d prefer, we’d all know the answer. Empathy goes a long way; put yourself in their place.

Let's Walk

If anyone has a dog who loves to walk, winter will stretch on forever. Icy sidewalks and arctic winds are not friends of mine. Sometimes it doesn’t matter how many layers of clothes we wear. The bitter cold seeps through, chilling us to the bone. Once we get outside facing that north wind, it’s hard to warm up. Cleats on the bottoms of boots are a must-have for navigating the city sidewalks or icy roads. However, below-zero weather for walking a dog is not preferential. It’s too cold on their paws. So, below zero at our house means a day spent inside with a whiny dog. 

Winter, in my mind at least, seems never-ending. The cold spells last mind-numbingly long. January comes and never leaves. At least, that’s how it feels. Does anyone have anything good to say about January? It is a new year, bringing a chance for renewal, health, happiness, and endless opportunities if we can endure the cold. 

Thank God, February brings a short-lived month. We may have to put up with more below-zero weather in February, but it doesn’t linger like in January. 

This winter is nearing an end. February will fly by, and March will come along. Snow melts, and below-zero weather is a thing of the past. Already forgotten in our minds as we leap toward spring. Another winter has come and gone. I love the “gone” part. Boots, gloves, hats, and winter clothes get put away. Memories of the cold vanish as we tilt our faces to the warm sun. 

Winter, we all survive it, but do we love it? My husband says if you're a snowmobiler, winter may mean something different. I’ll take his word for that.

Me I'll stay in and read a book! Below-zero weather, blah!

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