Probably Minnesota's biggest wuss

I hope everyone up North is surviving the Arctic chill! Take comfort in knowing your plight is well-observed around the country. The local Jax morning weather forecast often includes an "if you can believe it" segment to share about the temperatures in Minnesota. I must confess I feel a strange swell of hardy Mid-western pride (and wonder if people down here believe there is actually a town called Embarrass).

Many of you have been in touch to report on the horrific magnitude of recent weather misery, and to put forth inquiries like, "Aren't you glad you're not here?" and, "Boy, aren't you lucky you don't have to drive on snow and ice?" To answer: Yes, and Yes! Although the majority of my formative years were marked by Minnesota seasons, I'm beginning to doubt my ability to endure the winter up there anymore.

The worst of winter in Jax has presented itself as morning and evening lows in the 20s and 30s... When I'm outside walking the dog during these lows -- puffing a thin cloud of breath into the air, observing steam rise off the ponds, and contemplating shortening our route to return indoors more quickly -- I remind myself I'm lucky to be breathing outside at all!

Keep on keepin' on, my friends. ;-)