Weather

Texas weather is always a mystery. Yeah, there's the old cliche' of "if you don't like the weather, just wait twenty minutes, it'll change".

That's not what I mean, though. We have two seasons in Texas. Summer. And February. In between isn't "spring" or "fall". Just a few weeks of climactic indecision.

For the last few days, it's been cold. No, not Alaska cold, but that nasty, damp-air, cutting wind, chill you to the bone kind of cold. Fact is, more people die of hypothermia in such of weather than in true, Arctic conditions.

Truly frozen air is almost humidity-free. Sub-zero temps just freeze the moisture right out of the air. Of course, blizzards can ruin a Inuit's day, but they've lived a life of preparation for it.

I'm not an Inuit. Hell, I couldn't even be an Oklahoman. They get snow and ice there. Brrr. If I ever get a tattoo, it'll be one on my ass saying; "Store at 75f or above".

That said, I'm enjoying the leading edge of a cold front blowing through. The sound of the rain on the decks above, the motion of the boat tugging at her lines at the dock, and the snug feeling of being safe, warm and dry belowdecks.

I think I'll relax in the aft cabin with a good book, a tumbler of bourbon and my two cats to warm my feet.

Comments

[Tina]

It started out as rain, changed to sleet, then it snowed. Which is highly unusual north of the border - the snow that is. When the temperature gets below 70F, I basically think it's winter, tonight it's just plain miserable, at least the wind isn't the usual 20+mph.

[Valerie]

Jim,
Funny! And accurate. Best description, ever, of Texas weather. This one gets sent to everyone I know who doesn't live here.

Ice is only fit for tea and keeping the catch of the day chilled.

Think my 5 year old was born with that tatoo. We were up at the grandparents' in January , in St. Louis. Big, lush snowfall. Bundled her up in boots, mittens, and hooded coat. She took 10 steps, turned around and wanted back in. My little southern belle.

[Marti]

Being from Texas I know that's true! Two seasons, Summer and February, LOL

[Rivrdog]

How do you get your cats to stay in place and warm up your feet?

Rob's answer would be to gut them, cure the pelts and make slippers out of them, but I say it can't be done with a live kitty.

[7U]

Your right about humidity making the cold more miserable. I grew up on a ranch in North Dakota, and feeding cows at 30 above was no big deal, even pleasent if the wind wasent blowing. Now Im living in Oklahoma and 40 above down here actually feels colder than 30 above felt to me at home.