Chilled to the Bones

I long for winter all year. I hoard sweaters I get on after-Christmas sales and boots and socks like we’re entering the next Ice Age. I practice the art of layering clothes so you look slightly disheveled and not like a homeless person.

I stockpile mittens and hats.

Daisy gets new coats to keep the winter chill off her.

The anticipation builds until that first cold day of winter. For 2012, that was Tuesday.

I bundled in my knee socks and fake Uggs. I layered sweatshirts and a puffy coat and scarf.

Then I set out. It was a beautiful day It was so bright as I walked down the stairs.

I took Daisy and turned right for our first real walk of winter. If we turn left, we sometimes run into that Chihuahua that wears a black leather jacket and spiked collar and scares Daisy.

Then, as I stepped into the breeze, I remembered the truth about winter.

It’s too freaking cold.

I don’t like winter. I like winter clothes.

I don’t like winter. I like winter foods.

I like the Fair Isle sweaters that allow you to gain 5 pounds and nobody notices. I like the boots you wear instead of heels. I like eggnog, apple cider and soup.

But I do not like winter.

Why? It’s really cold outside.

I’m a Southerner. We wait for cooler weather all year, then are miserable through the cool months. Can you even call what we have a “winter”?

That said, it’s going to be in the 40s today with a low tonight around 29 degrees. Gah. That’s like last year when it turned cold really fast and we all got iced in. I hope that doesn’t happen again.

Bundle up.

Grab that hat you don’t think you need.

Stay warm.