Brrrrrr s^it.....it's cold.

Signs of winter in NE.  Drifts up to 4 ft in places, cracks in the skin at the corner of your finger nails, piles of yellow snow on the porch because it's too cold (for the dogs) to foray all the way to the tree in the front yard.  Edgy dogs who aren't getting enough exercise.  Edgy people who are getting too much exercise shoveling snow.  Open lots used to dump snow trucked in from city streets.  Old garage door openers that need physical assistance when the temp is below 10 degrees.  Days so cold and windy you choose to wear a hat to work knowing you are not taking it off once you get there.  Screw pretty fluffy hair teased with lots of hair product.  Sometimes warmth is more important than fashion.  Black ice, 'nuf said.  Double digit wind chills.  More yellow snow. 

Sigh....it's been rough.  But, and, there is always a but, even if it's a pain in the butt.  There have been some awesome things with this arctic cold snap.  There are the people who will stop to help others who are stuck.  There is my friend who did her own personal blanket drive for the shelter.  She netted 13 blankets and 4 winter coats which she delivered yesterday.  That not only warmed others in need, it warmed my heart too.  There is the warm dog factor.  What is better than cuddling at night with your beloved pets? 

We always start the night dogless.  We like our personal cuddle time, so we shoo the dogs away at first.  Usually, after 3am they find their way back to our bed.  I often imagine it goes something like this.  One tests the water.  On stealthy silent paws he makes his way quietly to the bedroom and eases himself softly onto the bed and curls in the crook of my knees.  I know it can't be Mr. Hanky, because he is about as stealthy as a sherman tank with clutch problems.  Although he has improved immensely I still doubt it's him. I believe it's Mick who makes the first move.  After a respectable amount of time Hank makes his way to the bedroom.  The prime knee position is already taken, so he moves in to stake his place on the other side of the bed.  There is nudging, pushing and a series of "make room would-ya" maneuvers.  Subtle is not this boy's middle name.  Nor is graceful for that matter.  But, we end up cocooned by two silly (or would that be chilly?) pointer boys.

I'm not complaining.  One can never have too much love, too many dogs, or enough warmth during a NE winter.  Today is cold, but the sun is out.  All things are possible with faith, a little sunshine. a dog (or 2) by your side and warmth in your heart.