Winter Wonderland

 Winter …Wonderland?

One of the great benefits of living in Florida is there is no snow to shovel. Well, at least not where we live or in the southern parts of the state. None we’ve seen at least. Not yet. Though it would not be unprecedented.

I remember in January of 1977 when Tampa received what proved to be a significant snowfall. It wasn’t significant in terms of inches as it is measured in the north. It was significant in that the snow was just enough to create wonder among Floridians who had never seen the white stuff and wreak havoc on the interstate. 

The snow in 1977 stretched as far as Homestead with a few flurries making their way into Miami. 

This past weekend we experienced temperatures cold enough to act as a deep freeze. Actually, that is according to my "feels like” temperature. That and the fact that our neighbor’s garden hose froze. We also learned other people in the county had pipes freezing. We were blessed our pipes and hoses appear to have “weathered” the drop in temperature.

Not snow. A reflection of clouds
in the Water

When I lived in Ohio, I saw the snow as nature’s way to blanket the land. I grew up with a strong farm connection on both sides of my family. That blanket of the white stuff signaled to me a time of rest for the earth. 

Then again, I didn’t have to travel in it. I’m pretty sure those who had to shovel their driveways and slide to work did not view it as a blanket. 

I digress. Mike and I live in Florida now. Below freezing temperatures are, in many ways, worse for us here. 

For one thing, we are not what I would call “prepared.” We have coats and jackets. We have furnaces in our house and food in our pantry. But not everything we own is built for winter weather. 

For example, my husband’s truck did not sound right when we were in Ohio during a cold spell. When I say cold…it was fourteen degrees. Mike took it to the dealership. The truck did not have a Block Heater. “Yours is a Southern truck,” he was told. “Meant to drive in the south.”

My view on that is simple. Trucks were meant to drive, period. And since the interstate goes north, a block heater should not be an option. It should be a requirement. It is cold in the south right now. I’m glad he had the block heater installed.

It is very cold. We have a bowl of water on the lanai for our cat, Tiki, when she ventures out. We had to crack a thin layer of ice on it so our sweet little girl could get a drink if she dared to leave the house. 

But now, the sun is shining, the moss is gently blowing in the trees. As I write this, our temperatures aren’t freezing, but certainly lower than normal. We’ll likely have chili dogs or chili and grilled cheese sandwiches for dinner. Our electricity is on and we have a gas stove if we should lose power. 

The wind is blowing and it's chilly!

Winter can be a harsh month for many, but still, as I look out the window at the sun shimmering on the lake and warming the deck, I can’t help but feel a subtle warming of the soul and gentling of the spirit. 

Wherever you are as you read this, stay safe. Stay warm. Cuddle up with a good book and a cup of hot chocolate. 

And remember…Spring is on the way.