Prior to moving to the Midwest, a day like today (with temperatures 32 degrees above zero) would have me bundled up in a turtle-neck sweater, wool socks, boots, mittens, and a warm hat. So when I first experienced what cold REALLY feels like, including temperatures in the extreme negative numbers, my normal wardrobe just didn’t suffice.
I recall my first brisk day in North Dakota. True to self, I pulled on my warmest sweater and broke out the winter coat. As I walked into work that day, I remember my coworkers looking at me in their short sleeved shirts and wind breaker and stating, “Wow, you’re in for a long winter.” That was no lie. By mid-November I had already broken in my absolute warmest attire. I mean, what else can you put on that keeps you warmer than a down parka with heat warmers in your shoes? The solution: long-johns. I wore them under everything. From jeans to dress pants. Whether I was outside or inside. Long-johns were a must.
By the next winter, something began to change. On that first cold day in winter, I pulled on a similar wardrobe I had worn the year before. The difference this time? I was sweating up a storm. And while the hot-pink long johns did indeed make an appearance on those particularly bone-chilling days, the usage was few and far between.
So here we are, in the midst of my third winter in the Midwest, and the long-johns sit folded neatly in my drawers, begging to be worn. And while I know it has been relatively mild thus far, something tells me that unless I decide to take my first ice-fishing trip this year, they may stay in that drawer all winter. You see, I think throughout the process of “becoming Midwestern”, my blood has literally thickened.
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My dad grew up in WY. He told me of after a period of -40 for weeks at a time , when the temp reached zero he went out in his Tee shirt.
But when he moved to Wash DC , he nearly froze there because of the dampness. He compared a damp 40 to feeling worse than a bone dry zero.
Delightful, and I haven’t used mine in years. But, considering this weekend and tomorrow, maybe you spoke a bit too soon. I have only short walks from the Prius to stores, church, eateries, and the gym, but will need to use the treadmills now.
Love to read your posts! I, too, am from Washington (born & raised) & am now living with my husband (from MN) in Duluth. We went to school in Grand Forks & I can so relate w everything you say! Hope your endeavors continue to provide you with great experiences.
I work for a gal from Mississippi. Even though we are 8 feet apart, its like we are not in the same building. I have a short sleave shirt on and always keep a glass of ice water handy to keep me comfortable. She is bundled up and shivering.
Give her a few more years… she’ll be right there with you.
Growing up, my elementary school had a rule that the students weren’t allowed to wear shorts until the temp was above 32.
You may soon find yourself violating that rule.
I do find myself violating that rule on the first warm day after winter. And by warm, I mean about 32 degrees or above. I decide it is time to break out the running shorts and go for a jog. Long pants are too warm.
Missed you! Hope your Christmas was wonderful. I was worried you had left the country(aka midwest) glad you are back!:-)
I know! I’ve felt so awful that I haven’t been able to post in a while. I was able to visit family over Christmas and recently started a new job at Concordia. Busy busy! Eventually my schedule will slow down (hopefully) and I’ll get to continue my Midwestern adventures!
I’m in a similar boat to Tom. I moved from Fargo to Providence, RI about five years ago, and the average winter temp here is ~30 above zero. I now have gloves, assorted scarves, winter boots and hats, which I never had in Fargo. I think when I was in Fargo, I just never went outside in winter, so I didn’t need the gear. It’s also very damp here, which I still can’t handle. Give me a dry cold!
With a damp cold you never seem to dry out and just stay constantly chilly! The good thing about Fargo snow is that it is so dry that it just brushes right off!
I always enjoy your comments. Haven’t seen them in a while. You definitely are becoming a “Nor-Dak.”
I grew up in Jamestown, worked at the Grand Forks Herald for 1-1/2 years, moved to Wyoming, then Alaska, then Montana in 1986 where I live today. I have written a weekly column for the Jamestown Sun since 1974.
Keep up the good work!
Thanks for reading, Bernie! Yes, my schedule has been a bit hectic lately!
I went through the opposite reaction upon moving to Yuma Arizona after growing up in Minnesota. A jean jacket and sweater the first winter. Add a down vest for the second winter. A down parka was in the wardrobe by the third winter.
I’m sure if I ever spent a significant amount a time back in Maryland or Washington, I would start to slip back into my ways of thinking 32 degrees above zero was cold.