Lessons from the Sky

As I write this post, the wind is blustering, snow is falling (horizontally), icy rain is mixing in with the mess and travel is grinding to a halt. Again. I have lost track of the number of "weather events" our area has experienced thus far this winter. Anyone who lives in the upper plains knows that we have mild winters and bad winters. It looks like this year is going to break a few records and not in a good way. I tip my hat to those of you who must battle the elements in your vocation. My interaction with the outdoors is less troubled.

If one listens carefully, blizzards can teach us a few lessons. Here are a few I have learned.

1) Patience--No matter how badly one wants to get the sidewalk and driveway cleared, nature makes the final call. The snow has to finish accumulating before snowblowers and shovels can be activated. Sometimes it is necessary to do a little mini-clearing if a vehicle has to be moved or there is a significant pause in the snow action. Overall, it is best to busy oneself with an indoor activity and wait for the final flake to drift on down.

2) Comfort--It is a scientific fact that our metabolism revs up in colder weather in an attempt to maintain an acceptable internal temperature. A blizzard ignites our hankering for comfort food. There is nothing wrong with a cold sandwich and a salad but they pale in comparison to a steaming bowl of chicken noodle soup or a hearty serving of tater tot casserole. Add a slice of homemade bread and you have taken the sting out of any formidable weather event.

3) Awe--The power of nature can be frightening, powerful and amazing. In our control-obsessed world it is sobering to face a force that is totally out of our hands. Earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, tornadoes remind us of this fact. Blizzards are no less daunting. Unfortunately, many still feel they can be in control by taking unnecessary travel risks because they "have a cell phone." News flash, a cell phone cannot rescue you. Stay home if you can and let the professionals do what they have to do to make roadways safe again.

4) Hygge--Marketers and influencers embraced this word a few years ago. It is Danish for coziness. Pinterest will give you pictures of crackling fireplaces, plush socks and large mugs of hot cocoa. I do not have a wood-burning fireplace, my socks usually have thin spots and hot cocoa makes me gag. My hygge is warm fresh bread slathered with butter and a drizzle of honey, a good whodunit book and a lap blanket. Snow removal will have to wait until I know who murdered the hapless maiden.

5) Anticipation--Harsh winters sharpen the longing for moderation. When the temperature finally rises into double digits and the white precipitation stays at bay, a collective sign of relief ensues. Friends, family and strangers become comrades in survival as we look forward to better weather moments.

Happy New Year to all of you! Skip the resolutions and make a pot of soup.