A Snowy Day

Some might say it is slightly dangerous to blog when you really have nothing about which to write.  Whether it is the comfort of a four year habit or just because today feels so cozy, I sit down to write even though no words are pleading to be released from my mind. My blogging muse seems to have gone on her own little holiday and left me with a warm cup of Pitta tea you see pictured here. Those beautiful rose flowers mixed with mint and hibiscus are supposed to restore my Pitta energy and make me chill out and focus.  I'll let you know.

A wet, heavy snow is falling outside and many Chicagoans are breathing a sigh of relief. The world is indeed returning to normal. The warm sunny temperatures we have been enjoying this winter are not "a sign of the end times" (as one person told me the other day).  Nor are they a source of consternation anymore to those who live in this snowy cold climate out of principal.   Yesterday a woman said to me, as we walked in t-shirts under bright blue skies and 55 degree temps to pick up our children, "I mean, really, this weather is playing with my head.  It is supposed to be winter for God's sake!!  If I wanted 55 degrees in January... I'd live in L.A."  Okay.  My theory has just been solidified.  Midwesterners pride themselves on their endurance to survive and thrive in drifting, blowing snow and plummeting temperatures.  Those long "sleeping bag" down coats separate us from the mere mortals who must choose more temperate places of existence.

If I step onto our balcony to do silly things like take a picture of my tea in the snow, I can hear the sounds of happy children on the playground drifting across the quiet blanket of snow.  Forget dry sidewalks upon which you can run or ride a bike and sunny afternoons with no coat.  My children want snow.  They want those snow plows clearing the blacktop at school into mini mountains of fun for recess.  They want to wear their new snow boots and pants to walk to school, gym, and recess.  I'm raising my children in the Midwest.  Weird.  Cool, but still weird.

Not everyone is enjoying the snow.  The city of Chicago's budget was enjoying our stretch of balmy weather.  So far this winter, the city has spent SIX MILLION dollars less on snow removal compared to this time last year (read more HERE).  Snow ain't cheap!  But it sure is cozy.