As anyone else who has grown up in Matagorda County knows – our winter season is strange.
I’m not talking about the realization that Climate Change is impacting our lives.
Even though it is very real and every summer that drives us into a drought or that I spend trying not to be burnt to a crisp covering graduation only gets worse!
Well, let me back the thought train up for you.
This Christmas marked the 20th year since we had a picturesque and dreamy winter wonderland outside as a Christmas present we all could share.
I was still in high school back then and spent almost all day outside in the sparkling snowscape with my siblings and friendly neighbors.
I’m not sure if we have any pictures from back then, but I think my memory is pretty sharp when it comes to such a record-breaking event.
And the saddest part is that we’re likely never to see it again in our lifetime – or at least that’s what meteorologists and other scientists tell us.
Plus, I can tell you that with my arthritic barometer in my right ankle, I’ll definitely tell you when the cold is going to seep into everything along with the barometric pressure dropping.
In fact, it’s a rather painful skill I share with several other arthritic friends and family members.
Needless to say, if we were in for something like the 2004 event I’d feel it and shout the news from
the top of the county courthouse at the top of my lungs.
Or, at the very least I’d make a Facebook post about it!
Aside from that, Christmas has been progressively getting warmer and more miserable in my book.
It’s definitely less aesthetic than the holiday celebrations we’re sold through media consumption.
I mean, songs like “White Christmas,” “Winter Wonderland,” and “Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let It Snow!” have always painted a gorgeous and glittering picture of Christmas.
The misty rain and thick fog we’ve gotten between Christmas and New Year has only left me disgusted with Mother Nature.
In fact, it honestly makes me want to hibernate under our Christmas tree for a week until things either get properly sunny and it feels like spring outside or I’m layering up and wearing my beanie outside.
All I’m saying is that I shouldn’t be wearing denim shorts at the end of December!
Unfortunately, due to our printing deadline this week, I’m also having to write this on Saturday ahead of the forecasted cool front sweeping through our area.
So, I’ve got hope to at least enjoy New Year’s with some brisk weather rather than sporting Crocs while walking the dogs outside through several acres of puddles.
I’m not holding my breath or hoping for snow again anytime soon, but I am making sure our pile of firewood can withstand any surprises.
After all, I don’t have any faith in ERCOT or the electrical grid, so, fireplace heating might be the only thing I can rely on during a winter storm disaster.
Well, that and having the indoor cats using me as a heating pad again!
Here’s to everyone having a safe and happy New Year despite how disappointing the weather might be.
