One Cold Day at a Time…..Getting Through a Wisconsin Winter

Polar vortex, wind chill, below zero temps - what an interesting winter this has been. Much of the country is suffering more than we are - states simply not prepared to face the ice and snow. No equipment, no salt - what a mess. I watch the news to see highways closed - or dozens of cars and trucks stopped after slamming into each other - whole cities with no power because ice build-up snapped the lines.

One of the "frustrations" for us is that we seem to get another few inches every few days - so back out to shovel and use the snow blower trying to keep our sidewalks clear. We live next to a school so with the kids and parents coming and going they really appreciate a clear path. Dave just wishes that we'd have one big snowfall and just get it over with.

So here in Milwaukee I put on an extra layer and go on about life as we know it in the winter. I don't mind the cold so much as the wind - it cuts right through you. On really windy/cold days I just hibernate. Lucky to enjoy reading, quilting and now making snowmen! Or snow gals - depending on your point of view.

A friend taught me how to assemble these sweet things - and just having one sitting on my window sill to catch the sunlight makes me smile. I'll keep her up through February and then hope that the snow goes away. This bunch is going off to share with friends at my book club meeting - to spread a little winter cheer.

As Judy told me when she taught me to make these, once you start you never look at a glass bottle the same way again. A jar of jelly, the ketchup bottle, salad dressing - perfect for snowmen. Hurry, let's finish the bottle of Amaretto that's been in the cabinet for years - the shape is wonderful! I may make another dozen or two before I'm done….who knows. It helps to pass the time on another cold Wisconsin winter day.