Musings

Just a few thoughts on this first day of February...

1. Everyone thinks winters are terrible here in Chicago. They are really, really cold. However, I think most people would be surprised at how little snow we actually get. Most "storms" bring 4-6 inches. I was telling Jeff in December that I was ready for a big dump this year. One of those stay-in-pjs-in-front-of-the-fire-all-day types. Well, my wish is granted (though 2 months late) and they're calling for a doozy of a storm tonight into tomorrow. They're saying it will be the biggest storm in 40 years. Crazy, right?

2. I found this question from a viewer on the weather home page for our local TV station. I don't know why, but it cracks me up. For pete's sake...we're living in Chicago, not Arizona.

Dear Tom (our local weather guru),
What is a blizzard? I've never heard that word used for Chicago.
--Rebecca Johnston, Chicago

Dear Rebecca,
The National Weather Service defines a blizzard as an intense winter storm with sustained winds of 35 mph or more and sufficient snow in the air (snow that is falling and/or "old" snow raised into the air from the ground) to reduce visibility to less than one-quarter mile for at least three hours. By those standards, a blizzard is rare in the Chicago area. Blizzards in the U.S. occur mainly in the northern and central Plains.

3. Weather doesn't often make the news here. I think anyone who lives here pretty much understands - it's gonna be cold. But it's not going to change a thing to complain about it, so buck up, put on a good jacket, and wait till Spring. So, other than the regular weather news at 20 minutes after the hour, it rarely is news worthy. Until this week of course.

The news has started to make me panic. I cannot stop buying food! I really wasn't that worried about the storm until the news started reporting that grocery shelves were empty and gas stations were out of gas. So, I keep buying food anywhere I go. At this point, we'll be lucky to eat everything I've bought!

But, just so my mom doesn't worry, it's worth reporting we have lots of water, gas in the cars and firewood. But really, what's the worst that could happen? I think the worst would be the power going out. However, we have a gas stove and plenty of firewood so we'll be able to eat and have heat so I think we're good.

4. I was at Lowes today picking up rock salt for my neighbor. The older couple standing behind me, probably in their 80's, were discussing a purchase she felt much more strongly about than he did. It was a 5 pound bag of dried corn-on-the-cobs. He didn't understand why they needed it. She was insistent it was important because with 2 feet of snow on the ground, she was sure there would be animals going hungry. Bunnies, deer, etc.

I actually got a little teary eyed listening to them discuss the bag of corn. Because I know if my Nana were still alive, and about to head into a crazy snow storm, she would be out buying bags of dried corn, too. Anytime I was witness to her prayers, she prayed for animals. She worried about them being too cold and hungry in the winter. She worried about them being too hot in the summer.

The memory caught me unsuspectingly and it was very sweet to think of her. I hate that life gets so busy that I don't find myself reminiscing often. But it has made me wonder for the past few hours if I shouldn't go back to Lowes and pick up another bag of corn, to put around my yard, because I know it would please my Nana so.

5. Well, so ends my morning musings. I have a little pit in my stomach as I wait to gather all my chickies under my wing. Just a little anxiety that, with all the snow, the road back home tonight will be a little less easy. I will happy and content once the snow starts flying and all members of our family are home and accounted for. I know lots of family and friends are affected by this storm, so please stay safe and stay warm!!