The Big Chill

One month in and already the talk of 2008 is how cold it is. Among other things, actually. Many times I have heard the case of global warming affecting the planet, and I think of one key word in that phrase. Warming. At -28 degrees Celsius, I rarely think that feels warm. Unless I'm comparing that to, oh, let's say, -89. But then, after a while it really doesn't matter how cold it gets. There's a point when the cold temperatures just don't matter anymore.

This week has felt much better than last week, as there is less wind, more sun, and temperatures are evening out. Still a bit below normal, but better than hearing about (or feeling) minus 35 with a windchill that makes it feel like minus 55. This is a big thing, but not in the way one would think.

It's big, because it means I will never complain about the heat in summer. Ever. Okay, maybe at plus 36 with humidity that makes it feel like I'm swimming when I step out my front door. And yes, those are the extremes of winter and summer here in Saskatchewan. Several months of cold, a month or two of indecision, a few months of extreme heat followed by a couple of months of teasing and right back into the cold again.

Speaking of cold and winter, Ground Hog's Day has come and gone in both Canada and the U.S. The American weather forecaster, Punxsutawney Phil, has predicted another six weeks of winter. Fear not, however, as the Canadian weather prognosticator, Wiarton Willie, has predicted an early spring. It should be noted that Willie is much more accurate than Phil, so here's hoping the little guy is right.

Until next time...

Keep 'em flyin'.