"Baby, It's Cold Outside"

So far this winter only severe temps, unlike the deep snow of last Feb.

The congenial delivery man assured me that I wasn't the only one who refused to go outside in this latest Arctic blast here in the Twin Cities. Unloading my groceries, he said, "We've really been busy lately."

I thanked him and his co-workers for braving below zero temps so I wouldn't have to. And I've been congratulating myself since then for having the wisdom to order my foodstuffs and other necessities online. (Keep in mind that I have a steel plate in my leg that rebels against Arctic weather.)

From Paul Douglas, my favorite meteorologist, these words of encouragement:

Hold on, models continue to show a thaw by the end of next week. Today's clipper drops a slippery inch of powder, followed by one last subzero slap - for now. 2 more subzero nights, then a slow recovery next week. You'll be amazed and vaguely horrified by just how good freezing feels.
Go ahead and take a bow. You're surviving the coldest week of winter.

Okay, then.

In the meantime, sitting here at my computer in my warm apartment, I agree with AP writer, Dave Collins, we're dealing with "dangerously cold air." Collins reports the effects of severe weather across the nation:

Dangerously cold air has sent temperatures plummeting into the single digits around the U.S., with wind chills driving them even lower. Throw in the snow some areas are getting and you've got a bone chilling mix that may also be super messy.

The result?

School delays and cancellations, a fatal car pileup and worries about the homeless.

Here's a look at what's happening:
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A PILEUP IN WHITEOUT CONDITIONS
An 18-vehicle pileup that happened in whiteout conditions on a western Pennsylvania interstate has left two people dead and nearly two dozen injured.

Nine trucks, several of them tractor-trailers, and nine cars were involved in the crash Wednesday afternoon on Interstate 80 in Clarion Township, state police said. At least one of the trucks was carrying hazardous material, but no leaks were found.

None of the injuries was thought to be life-threatening, but three of the approximately 20 people taken to the hospital, appeared to have serious injuries. The others were treated for everything from bumps to broken bones.
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DELAYING AND CANCELING SCHOOL
School districts from the South to the Northeast and Midwest are delaying the start of classes or canceling school altogether.

Read more:

Celebrating the present moment in subzero temps!

My apartment building's courtyard in mid-winter.

 The extreme weather this winter is conducive to counting my blessings.  First on the list are my son and his wife who live nearby and a supportive network of friends and neighbors!

In the meantime, I woke up this morning here in the Midwest to 15 degrees below with a windchill of 38 degrees below. Thankfully my home is warm and cozy, and my kitchen is well stocked with food and yes, a good supply of coffee.

I have a fascinating novel on hand and access online to beautiful classical and meditation music. I've already meditated and worked out this morning, and my apartment building offers long carpeted hallways that serve as an indoor track for walking several times per day. Phone and email are available as needed.

The present moment is rich and full even as I grieve for those not as fortunate as I and pray that our Congress will demonstrate compassion for the unemployed and all those who are struggling to survive this January in arguably the wealthiest country in the world.

"Gurgling drainspouts and chirping birds" (we can hope)

Via Mpls. Star Tribune

Over at the Minneapolis Star Tribune, Paul Douglas, Minnesota's celebrity weather forecaster, reports snow and temp statistics that would surprise no one in the area who has ventured forth lately: 50 inches of snow thus far this winter and 6.5 degrees colder than average.

Having been sidelined by recovering from surgery this winter, I've pretty much missed out on our extreme weather. Now that I'm up and about again, I only venture forth on rare sunny days with dry roads.

Here's the good news. Our weather prophet, Mr. Douglas, is predicting 40 degrees by late this week and even temps in the 50s in the first week of April. "...in roughly 1 week we'll be greeted by gurgling drain spouts and chirping birds..."

Read more: