COLD, FROID,KALTE

     During the Winter of 1960-61, I was in school in Boston.  There is much about that city to be loved and enjoyed.  Among those, however, is not the Boston Winter.  I became a 'fan' of the then somewhat inglorious Red Sox...even saw Ted Williams's next to last game.  Ate some great food, made life-long friends.  But, my Southern derriere never adapted to the cold and the snow.  One of my brothers has lived most of his adult life in New Hampshire. In that place there are two 'seasons' ...July 4th and Winter. I remain awed by his ability to endure those rigors.

    Two days ago here the temp was 72 degrees F; today, with the wind-chill factor, it is sub-freezing.  Perhaps it is because I have less 'padding' (body fat), but the wind and cold penetrate to the core and I find myself singing and humming songs of childhood like " 'tis Springtime, 'tis Springtime, cold Winter has past; the birds are returning, their songs fill the air."

     My daughter has been living in Germany for the past couple of years, having moved there with her family from Alabama.  'Culture shock' has included a strong blast of weather differences.
Sometimes it seems she longs for the warmer climes as well as does her dad.
     
     My dad was a very wise man with many words of counsel for his sons.  Among the more pertinent ones was, "Don't wish your time away, son."  So, one of the ways we are attempting to make the best of the moment and still side-step some of Winter's rigors is to take a several-days cruise to the Caribbean.  Being newcomers to the cruising routine, I am yet to be convinced that it is the best way to vacation.  But with the temps there well into the 70's and beyond, what a way to spend the first days of February.  "Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow !"

     Satchel