Jill's Journal: ‘Cold enough for ya?’

I’m not sure when I turned into a big ol’ wimp when it comes to below-zero temperatures and that all-too-familiar South Dakota “breeze” lovingly referred to as “wind chill.”

Maybe it happened just this winter. Obviously blessed with unseasonably warm temperatures and little to no snow for a good share of the winter season, I find it ironic that just a few weeks ago I was carrying my coat on my arm more than I was wearing it on my body.

That’s certainly not the case in recent days.

If I had a choice, I’d rather stay home than venture out into the tundra, that is unless, it’s to head to the airport for a trip to a warmer climate.

Although the weatherman forecasts this arctic blast will come to an end over the weekend, I’ve found myself complaining again and again about the bone-chilling temperatures, and between chattering teeth, mustering that all-to-familiar question, “Cold enough for ya?”

Then I have to remind myself that it is February. This is the Midwest. And weather like this, surely should come as no surprise.

I also have to remind myself about the land’s need for moisture. After the water works turned off following our “Monsoon June” last year, there’s been little to no splashing to be had, with the exception of the local pool and splash pad.

I mentioned at a meeting recently that we needed moisture in the worst way.

Dr. Larson, our school superintendent, happened to be at the same meeting, and gave me a look that only a superintendent would give someone who said that in the dead of winter. In his presence.

That prompted me to better define my comment: “We need moisture in the worse way, not a snowstorm, not an ice storm, but pure moisture.”

His look went away once I clarified.

While the weatherman has said there’s not much for moisture in this round of snowfall, I’m well aware that our need for it has certainly not gone away. 

And while I’d rather bundle up under the warm Minnesota Vikings blanket that my staff gifted me for Christmas, I guess I have no option other than to bundle up, warm up the car and continue asking that all-too-familiar Midwestern question, “Cold enough for ya?”