What An Old Fashioned Winter Is All About.

       Well, how do you like winter so far? You do realize this is what real winter is like, don't you? Not that spring/winter/spring weather we've come to expect and enjoy. You know, where the temperatures hover well above freezing most of the time with a few cold snaps thrown in and a snow storm or two for good measure that we learned to call winter. Those were the good semi-old days.
       But this year we're back to an old-fashioned winter where the snow on the ground sticks around with no grass showing through, until, well probably until mid spring. That's because the temperatures continue to remain below freezing nearly all the time. We've even had some sub zero weather that's lasted for days on end. Now this is what I call winter. I don't particularly like it, but at least it is winter. No confusing it with autumn or spring. It's winter.
       Of course, even though it is winter, you can hear the choruses and chirpings of the climate change deniers, claiming variously that; climate change ended two dozen years ago, or there is no climate change, or because of this winter it's over now. Ya see, whatever the weather is or was like here in America  is the determining factor of the existence of climate change for the world. So if the southern hemisphere is experiencing record heat waves, it has no baring on the climate world wide.
       But climate change discussions aside, this is winter, and if you're not up to it, that's your problem, because mother nature's gonna do what mother nature's gonna do. It's the kind of winter when you begin to ponder the advisability of studded snow tires. Or maybe even tire chains. I'll bet that half the drivers in America have never even heard of tire chains. Then there's tow chains, jumper cables and bags of salt or sand in the trunk. These are the musings of old time rear wheel drivers and the debate issues of those same drivers. What single item from the above list is most important and comforting? Ahh yes, getting to work or school, uphill both ways.