I Can See Clearly Now

When it first became cold in Utah, the kids were amazed that the sun could be out and yet, it was still cold. Well, let me give you a little meteorology lesson. During a Utah winter, clear skies usually mean one thing: BITTER COLD. You may find it interesting, but clouds and snow actually work as insulation to keep things warmer. (I'm talking about 10-20 degrees being considered warm).

Last week we had several days that began at -15 degrees. Yes, that's fifteen below zero. I drive Esteban to school at 7:00am and that is really cold. I have to wear gloves because, after being outside all night, the stirring wheel is also -15 degrees. It is so cold that my nose hairs freeze (sorry for being so graphic, but those of you who live here, know exactly what I'm talking about). I have always thought scarves were just an accessory until I was walking out of the grocery store when my nose hairs froze. I saw a lady with a scarf wrapped around her nose and mouth. I realized then that scarves are nothing more than nose hair warmers. (I need to get me one before the next cold front comes through.) I remember in Texas when the weatherman would predict a cool front coming through and the temperature would drop down to 60 degrees. Well, there is nothing "cool" about these fronts they are "don't-go-outside-unless-you-are-going-to-die-a-worse-death-inside-than-freezing-outside" fronts.

Last week, the high for the day was usually 5 degrees and like most highs, that was around 5:00pm. At the elementary, they won't let the kids go outside for recess unless the temperature is above 0. Which means most days last week, when the temperature at recess time was still negative, the kids had to stay inside for recess.

The temperature might not be so great but, the pictures are spectacular. (I would have taken more, but I've already described the nose hair problem I was having.)

I love the crisp blue sky that comes this time of year, especially, when I look out the window while standing on the heater vent.