It is true, December 2010 went down as the coldest December on record in many parts of Florida – at least according to some of the weather experts and as reported by a host of weather-celebrities vying to be the next Wolf Blitzer or Anderson Cooper. Evidence abounds in everyone’s garden – massive amounts of winter-burn and die-back has occurred in both ornamental and foundation plantings. Folks have had to pour hot water over their windshields a few early mornings for de-icing and actually wear their coats to work, in their cars, no less. But – if truth be told – the episodes are very short lived and interspersed with beautiful blue sky days with the freshest air anyone could breathe – perfect for enjoying the out-of-doors.

I actually like winter – but definitely on my own terms – not on a daily basis. My daughter works in Manhattan and has had to experience severe ice, snow and winter-wind events – some of the worst on record in New York City. In fact, the New York / New England winter of ‘10/’11 may yet go down as the most fierce on record. Allison wrote the other day to say that when she stepped outside in the morning to walk her 5 blocks to the subway station it was 5 degrees outside. She says that one of the most difficult things to traverse is each street intersection and pedestrian crossing – because it is sometimes impossible to tell how deep or liquid the standing slush is up against the curb (you want it to be more solid to support your steps and to stay dry). The occurrence of black ice is another worrisome hazard. Dressing for the day requires many layers – which have to be adjusted each time she ventures out or returns inside. Using the subway system, as most folks do in Manhattan, means bundling up for the walk – then sitting damp and wet (from the snow, ice and sludge) inside of over-heated train-cars. Once everyone piles in – the cars get all fogged up. People leave all of their coats, layers, gloves and hats on since they have to depart back out into the cold for the next walk to their destination. When you re-enter a heated building you have to immediately take off all the winter gear – only to discover that your internal layers are damp with sweat and now you are cold again. It is almost impossible to regulate your body temperature and ward off colds and the flu. Yes, on a daily basis, winter can be a real drag. (more…)