21 F, feels like 7 F ...

...I suppose this is back to the "normal" cold weather that we've been miraculously avoiding thus far. Rats! It's definitely more difficult to get outside when the wind chill is in the single digits. What's tougher? Not getting outside. That's when you go nutty. Today will be a bundle up day for sure if I want to be outside though.

Like 30 degrees isn't bundle up weather? Well, it is. But 30 degrees is just a few layers. Single digits equals many many layers. Who needs to workout with weights when you're wearing like 20 lbs in clothing? The thing is, even the harsh weather days have lessons. I will never ever again wonder how people can survive in these arctic conditions. And not just surviving indoors with heaters and TV. But actually being outside and in it.

I am far from the "I love the winter", (and Minnesota Dad really does!), but I am intrigued by the cold. And I am amazed that a place can stay so cold for so long. 6 weeks of rain is the winter I know. We've been pretty much below freezing since November. I am ready for something else...but on the warmer end of the mercury.

The day before yesterday while I was trail running, there was suddenly blood on the trail. You could see it because the snow was so white and they were obviously tracks. Sydney was smelling the tracks and they went on for at least a mile before disappearing into the woods. Sydney followed them through the trees and then they lead back up on the trail, before they just stopped. I was very happy to never find the source of the bloody tracks. I love the time with Sydney...exploring the woods through her eyes and not having to worry about traffic (of people or cars). The lack of snow has kept the recreation-types (a.k.a. snowmobile traffic) out of the park. Quiet meditation time, outside in the cold and snow. This may not be an experience you'd seek out...but I've discovered something lovely about it all the same.

The sun keeps trying to make it's way through the clouds...it isn't gonna get much warmer today, so the hound and I are off to brave the cold for a couple of hours and then get on with our "jobs" for the day. Enjoy your day!