Cold facts of life here
Anybody who’s grown up in this region, or who made an informed decision to move here, should not be surprised by weather that would frighten less hardy souls. Friends from warmer climates shudder at the mere idea of a day with single-digit temperatures. Two straight weeks without getting above the freezing mark? Forget about it! Yet, two weeks ranging from 31° to -6° (with wind chill factors dipping below -20° a time or two) seems to be on order for us.
A friend who planned to fly up for a visit was advised to travel on an earlier flight to avoid issues arising from the forecasted winter storm. She did change her flight, but the storm rolled in sooner than initially predicted. Her flight returned to Dallas when the Kansas City airport stopped all arrivals and departures. I found it amusing that people conveyed the severity of the matter by pointing out that the Kansas City Chiefs football team was stranded at the airport enroute to Denver for a game. (“If the Chiefs can’t get out, it must be bad!” seemed to be the message.)
Throughout the day, I’ve looked out as light snow grew heavier, and steady winds turned to mighty gusts that scour parts of the driveway and lawn bare, but deposit extra helpings of snow into more sheltered places. Thankful for a safe place to watch Mother Nature do her thing, I can appreciate the power and beauty of it all. It also is a reminder that not all are so fortunate, and that into this challenging climate farmers, first responders, utility workers and others must press on in service for the good of the rest of us. Let’s remember to be thankful for those whose work keeps us safe and comfortable.
