January 19, 2009. Chevy Chase, Md. Cold.

To say that something is cold is very inaccurate. Ken was talking on the phone to his Mother one day many years ago and she commented to him that they were having a warm spell in Parry Sound. She went on to say that everyone was so pleased to have this lovely warm weather for a bit after the bitterly cold weather they had been experiencing that winter. When asked what the temperature was, she said the thermometer outside her back door was registering fifteen degrees F. where it had been twenty below zero. Ken agreed with her, that it was lovely to have this mild spell in Parry Sound. She further said that at twenty below, a person had to bundle up when walking to town, but now the temperature was fifteen degrees, walking is easy and you don't bother much about many extra clothes and scarves. At the time, we were living in Texas, where the good folks talk about cold weather when the temperature is forty, and they certainly do not sent their children out to play in this cold weather. On the other hand, any temperature below zero F. is cold in any place in the land.

Friday night at the farm we went down to the hot tub. The outside temperature was six degrees F. That is cold in any place on earth. It was exhilarating to get into the hot tub, though you had to move quite quickly. The sky was clear and the stars bright. It was a beautiful night. The snow was crunchy and the air was dry, and we sat for a long time n the hot water enjoying the heat. Eventually we were forced to get out into the cold air, but by now we have a system. Our big terry robes we leave in the bathroom to keep warm, and we wrap ourselves in large towels to get into the hot tub from the house. Then we quickly get into the tub and cover up to our necks, never taking arms or shoulders out of the water. Also no bubbles or jets, as they both cool down the water. When you get out of the water, steam comes off your whole body. Ken looks like a spirit instead of a husband. The temperature first thing Saturday morning was minus ten degrees F. which at the farm is about as cold as it gets. By Sunday afternoon the weather was mild, at thirty eight degrees F. and our friends there were happy with the mild weather. Of course, our Texas Family tells us that things are very cold this year. Today it was forty degrees F. Now I ask you, how can a person stay warm with this cold weather in Texas? I guess all temperatures are relative to what you become accustomed to experience.

The Inauguration will be held tomorrow and it will be cold. They are predicting twenty with a strong wind. I am sorry for all the people who will be out for so long in the cold. Several friends from work have tickets for the swearing in ceremony, while others are going to watch the parade. I hope they dress warmly!!