If We Wing It

We’ve been spoiled by whopping seventy-degree temperatures in December. Folks in our parts aren’t used to the -20° F feel-like temperatures predicted for this weekend. When it comes to trudging through those kind of conditions, people in Alaska are prepared. Are we ready for what’s coming? We trot from car door to store door with nothing but a light jacket. Unless you’re a skier, most of us don’t own a suitable selection of warm hats, gloves, and winter scarves. If the polar vortex continues to bring more bone-chilling weather, we’ll need to get prepared. Check out this out:

                                     https://youtu.be/YJYaV8UJxko

Pull out the bungee cord. It’s not the winter tool I expected, but the guy must know something if he survives regular sub-zero weather. Plus, he had the engine block running, so he’ll be good to go. Since we’re unfamiliar with extreme conditions, guess what we’ll do? We’ll wind up winging it. We’ll be creative and survive a few vortex days, but winging it doesn’t always work. What happened the last time you went into a situation totally unprepared?         

(Not) A Walk in the Park

When did Alaska get so popular? Cable TV airs several shows featuring the state and its newest residents who, by moving there, prove they don’t always need neighbors or indoor restrooms. While we complain about polar vortexes and single digit temperatures, they’re fine with sub-zero weather. If it’s a cold wilderness you want, Alaska’s the place to go. Alaskan winters are tough, but people tolerate them for the freedom and solitude of peaceful living. Life in the wilderness isn’t for everyone, but for resilient folks, it’s perfect. Here's someone's version of paradise:

                                         http://youtu.be/HVE2BdypnTI

The gentleman makes living alone in Alaska look easy.  Once the trend catches on and hordes of people abandon their busy lifestyles for an isolated log cabin, you’ll see shows like “Buying North Dakota and ”Buying Wyoming.” If summer breezes give you goose bumps, you probably won’t relocate to Alaska. But when you want a bit of solitude, where do you go?       

What's The Weather?

Oh, it’s not that cold outside. That’s what I thought a few days ago, and I had to laugh. When does twenty-two degrees feel comfortable? Answer: when you’re used to the daytime temperatures hovering around the single digits, with below zero wind chill factors. You know there’s an arctic freeze in town when veteran Chicagoans close schools for two days. Brrr! The past two mild winters failed to prepare us for frequent visits from polar vortexes, but nothing on earth compares to these temperature fluctuations:

                                               http://youtu.be/aDYRa74G-_Y

We can forget how much we need and depend on the sun. Someone stated that if we’re floating in space where the sun shines, we would feel boiling temperatures. If we’re on the dark side of earth, well, that’s where we’d turn into human icicles. Does it make you feel better to hear spring arrives in less than eight weeks? I suspect we’re all anticipating warmer days when we can bask in the sun. How will you celebrate?