Monday morning. I think we might finally reach freezing point today! Not below it and not above it, but at least we will not have cancel school because of a wind chill factor!
I teach in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The average temperature in February 2015 was 14.4 degrees Fahrenheit (according to an MLive article.)
I can't even remember when I last saw students outside during recess. I feel that I need fresh air. Maybe today I could let in a little fresh air by opening a window for a few moments. I might have to pay a few more cents in heating, but it would be worth to breath in fresh air inside.
So what about Florence, Italy? A friend of mine is there right now. It is at least 35 degrees warmer than at home. Yes, I am a little jealous. I watch her post pictures on Facebook. She is not wearing her winter coat. She is walking outside in the sunshine. She is shopping at an outdoor market. She is smiling. She is happy!
So, what do I have? I have snow. It is white. Pristine. A new layer covered the old snow just yesterday. It is cold, but there is no wind to cause frostbite while taking out the garbage. Sun is supposed to shine brightly today. I love sun and snow. They are my friends.
I might not have the history and ambiance of Florence, Italy today, but I have pure snow that glistens in the bright sunshine. I might not be able to shop at an outdoor market, but I get to read slice of life posts in my warm living room--maybe even enjoy a few rays of sun when I come home.
The snow and cold has made this a tough winter, but I love your attitude about it! I've struggled with mine and your post is a breath of fresh air and a good reminder that our attitude is so important. Wishing you lots of fresh air to fill your lungs today! :) Thank you!!!
ReplyDeleteJaana,
ReplyDeleteJust saying Ann Arbor made me shiver with the cold from the lake winds. Ouch! And especially this never-ending winter! Love your solutions: fresh air and a "white, pristine layer" - it's all in our perspective. What a great start for Monday (and Day 2)!
Thanks, Friend!
Hmmmm....Florence sounds really inviting. It has been a cold, hard winter, and pristine or not, the white is getting old. I hope you can bundle up in your living room and read slices and enjoy life as it is given. Right now we are given the pristine.
ReplyDeleteI always wonder who would choose to live in a place like Michigan in the winter, but snow does make you appreciate being indoors and reading. And it is beautiful to look at. I really don't enjoy cold weather, but your slice made it sound peaceful and nice.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry, Jaana - but I am so totally with your friend in Florence...although I admire your devotion to Michigan snow. :)
ReplyDeleteWe woke up Sunday to a fresh coat of snow. It was beautiful sticking to the trees and branches...BUT I am ready for it to be gone. Summer with the pool and sun is my season and it can't get here fast enough.
ReplyDeleteWay to be positive and find the good, even though there were many reasons to find things wrong. (I hate the cold!)
ReplyDeleteThere is a bright side to everything. I don't know of a much prettier sight than going for a ride up the mountain and seeing the sun sparkle on ice covered tree limbs. Who needs diamonds!
ReplyDeleteNicely positive, we have more snow & cold coming tonight, Jaana. Florence without a winter coat sounds very good, however.
ReplyDeleteI feel your pain down here in Central Ohio. On the rare occasion that we make it above freezing, it feels positively balmy. My husband and I took a weekend cruise to the Bahamas a couple of weeks ago and that was just what I needed to make it through the (hopefully) last of this frigid winter and into "true" Spring (not just the date on the calendar). Here's to hoping that thoughts of Italy will sustain you as well.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter has been to Florence and loved it. Would so love to go. But I must admit I love winter - just not driving in it. But it is time for spring.More snow coming tomorrow- yikes. Lovely post
ReplyDeleteI love how you are looking at things! Beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI love sun and snow too. :0)
Side note: My husband is from Grand Rapids, MI.