So far, this Midwest winter is true to form. Cloudy, cold, damp weather has dominated my month in Central Missouri and is forecast to persist until I return to Colorado next weekend. Caught between Canadian cold fronts and warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico, this region is known for its unpleasant winters.
The humid air and a dearth of sunshine make the cold air feel colder and a low, gray overcast makes it look colder than the thermometer might indicate. The large shade trees, so colorful in October, are now barren and their brown, soggy leaves clog our gutters and downspouts. Snow, often mixed with rain, provides the natural beauty of this season, at least until its gray, slushy piles line our streets and parking lots.
While we may be unable to avoid the Midwest winter weather, we can escape to the woods and wetlands, where our wild neighbors and seasonal visitors are unfazed by the conditions. After all, their survival depends on that attitude and, fortunately for us, their cheerfulness and optimism is contagious.
The humid air and a dearth of sunshine make the cold air feel colder and a low, gray overcast makes it look colder than the thermometer might indicate. The large shade trees, so colorful in October, are now barren and their brown, soggy leaves clog our gutters and downspouts. Snow, often mixed with rain, provides the natural beauty of this season, at least until its gray, slushy piles line our streets and parking lots.
While we may be unable to avoid the Midwest winter weather, we can escape to the woods and wetlands, where our wild neighbors and seasonal visitors are unfazed by the conditions. After all, their survival depends on that attitude and, fortunately for us, their cheerfulness and optimism is contagious.
