Signs of coldness

Here in the Ozarks, we experience all four seasons in a big way – perhaps as much as in any other region of the United States Lower 48 (or more).

Subsequently, not a winter goes by when the temperature doesn’t drop to a level that qualifies as “frigid,” and it usually happens on multiple occasions.

Of course, on those days when the “high” temperature is lower than a very low “low,” there are many highly recognizable signs of the coldness of the cold. Here are some of them. 

• The dog goes out in the morning and is back at the door in less than five minutes.
• You keep the wood fire burning for 36 or more consecutive hours.
• Only a small amount of mercury is visible toward the bottom of the outdoor thermometer.
• Your vehicle makes an odd sound when you start it first thing in the morning.
• You haven’t seen the cat in an hour and you wonder if she might be stuck to something.
• Even though you’re wearing thermal socks, your feet are cold while you sit at your work desk in the old building where your office is located.
• You hear more than one person in the same day say, “I’m ready for spring.”
• You see a four-legged critter walking across the pond.
• You crave hot soup or chili.
• You look at your favorite online weather source more often than usual.
• You walk carefully, staring at the ground as you attempt to avoid the icy spots with each step.
• You watch a movie or two in the afternoon.
• You make plans for a getaway to the beach.
• You look up the temperature in places that are even colder.
• When you see pine tree branches moving in the wind, you say, “man, that looks cold.”
• You enjoy hot coffee in the morning even more than usual.
• Instead of making a trip to the store, you use ingredients you already have to prepare dinner.
• You share a photo of the outdoor thermometer with your relatives in California and Florida.
• You recall when you were younger and actually found lots of ways to enjoy cold weather.
• You wear gloves when you’re driving.
• You look forward to that 50-degree day shown in the long-range forecast.
• You wear two layers to bed, including a long-sleeve shirt.
• Even though you set your house’s furnace at a far lower number than usual before turning in, it runs pretty much all night.
• You’re totally OK with knowing that the cold is part of a worthwhile trade-off that goes with residing in the Ozarks.

Doug Davison is a writer, photographer and newsroom assistant for the Houston Herald. Email: ddavison@houstonherald.com.