My winter cough is back. I blame the dry air. But after trying to jam too much into summer and fall I see the upsides to a Minnesota winter.
We need sleep to survive, and winter is a reset for our overscheduled lives, a chance to relax with family and friends. Winter teaches patience, preparedness and focus. I have my stack of books to read.
I don’t miss the bugs or yard work or severe storm warnings or smoggy ozone days, either. No clouds of sneeze-worthy pollen. Nature welcomes the reset: Many grains, fruits and ornamentals need sustained cold to set buds with good yields next season. No, I haven’t fallen and hit my head. There are always silver linings if you choose to look.
As much as we need moisture, I don’t see any debilitating storms between now and Thanksgiving. Good news for travelers. Highs in the 40s and a day or two near 50 degrees through the middle of next week.
Minnesota’s lakes usually freeze up in December (later than 50 years ago), and I predict 20s and 30s the first week of December. Another late winter.
