W-w-winter is h-h-here

Like a swift kick in the pants, winter is here. Some may say that it's always cold in Rexburg, how is this any different? I'll tell you. Since September, we have had a roller coaster of weather. Frequent typical fall weather; need-your-coat cold in the morning and tying that same jacket around your waist in the glow of a pleasant afternoon sun.

We had snow a bit early, October 5th, I believe. The last week of September, I felt a chill creep in. The next week was the snow and we shivered for a month. Then, Oct. 14th, the day Spencer flew in, he must have brought the warm weather with him from Baghdad. It was still 'cold' for him, but mid 60s felt downright balmy to us! Beautiful fall weather prevailed again and the day before Spencer left, we were digging out the cold weather coats. Even the season was sad to see him go.

It was still moderate for the next week; but progressively sliding to the colder end of the spectrum. Last Thursday, it snowed in the evening, leaving us with about 3/4 of an inch on the ground. When the sun rose Friday morning, the snow did not melt with it. Off and on, all day, the gray cover of clouds sprinkled snow down on the town.

Saturday morning, a cloak of clouds still remained, spluttering flakes here and there. All in all, we only accumulated an inch, tops. By evening, the cloud cover blew out and the wind was howling. Oh, it's been a long time since I felt that bite. The wind so sharp it cuts through to the core. Though I have to say, I am LOVING my new winter coat. I don't feel the chill. I notice it when I'm lazy and just throw a hoodie on over my t-shirt and cardigan. Layers help, right? Wrong smartypants. There aren't many barriers that can keep Jack Frost at bay.

My marvelous mother & father in law took the kids on Saturday afternoon and I had some time to myself. When I went to pick them up that night, we stepped out onto the porch, and into the wind, to say goodbye. I looked at my father-in-law and stated, without a doubt,

"Winter is here. Isn't it?"

He nodded his head solemnly, "That it is, my dear. That it is."

And even though the clouds have been gone for 2 days, the high today was only 31F (0C). Chilly chilly, willy the penguin.

Brrrrr. . . .