Today is like yesterday, sunny, clear and in the 50’s, still fall. The nights, though, have started to feel like winter, in the 30’s. My blanket is back on the bed. The dogs huddle beside me at night, Nala under the covers. We all fall asleep cozy and warm.

When I was a little kid, my mother decided when it was time for winter coats, when layering wasn’t enough. We all dreaded that day. The coats were heavy. They didn’t fit in the cloak room. We had to either zip or button our coats at the end of the day which took time and concentration. I remember sometimes, when I zipped, one end hung lower than the other, a zipper failure. Buttons were just a bit easier.

My school was old. The classrooms with their high ceilings were always a bit chilly. Radiators on the back wall hissed and steamed. The windows fogged. I wore a sweater over my uniform. We were allowed. I wore knee socks and sometimes pink underwear which went to my knees. We still had recess on cold days. We huddled in groups. We tried to stay warm. The end of recess bell was welcomed.

I don’t wear a winter coat. I do have one, but it sits in the closet waiting for the next ice age. My winter wear includes hoodies or a fleece top or a really heavy sweater, saved for the coldest winter days. I like my mittens better than my gloves. They keep my hands warmer. I have hats but don’t often wear them. My favorite is one from high school, one a friend’s grandmother knitted. My next favorite I bought in Peru. It has ear flaps. I bought it because when I got to Peru it was winter. I also have a few scarves. My favorite is red. I wear it just for the color.

I’m envious of bears. All summer and fall they get to eat and drink nonstop. They need to gain weight. I’m always trying to lose it. They get to sleep all winter. I aspire to do that.

Today is dump day. Perhaps I need a banner for my front lawn.

This entry was posted on November 17, 2024 at 1:04 pm and is filed under Musings. You can subscribe via RSS 2.0 feed to this post's comments. Both comments and pings are currently closed.