I am often accused of twisted thinking when I voice this inner paradigm and am therefore going to use this space to convert you to this liberated view of our Saskatchewan winters.
Awakening early to an announcement on my radio alarm that the temperature is forecast to stay below 30C for the next week is for me, the equivalent of consuming my favorite comfort food.
As an aside comment, I seldom step away from posting business content. This however happens to be the fifth anniversary of the launch of our blog and therefore feel justified straying from the norm.
Looking back on those first posts, it seems like only a couple of years since they were written.
Saskatchewan born
Having lived in this province all my life, I look forward to every change in seasons. Whether it was playing shiny on the school rink or, as a paperboy, delivering the Star-Phoenix daily, there were things that needed to be done regardless of the temperature outside.
I can say with certainty that I would not be happy living in a constant climate that felt like summer year around. I know, I can hear the groans…have experienced them many times! Alright, I’ve not yet sold you. How about this next argument?
Kill the ticks
There is some evidence to show that extreme cold will kill off these most objectionable creatures. Ticks are small arachnids. You’d have to agree with me on this point that a few days of frigid temperatures is worth the price to potentially reduce the populace of blood sucking spiders!
It builds heart
We in this province are a hearty lot! Try finding a parking spot in downtown Saskatoon mid evening in January when it’s -30C. You’ll likely have to drive around the block more than once because the restaurants and theatres are full.
That cold weather does not slow us down; in fact, it’s one reason we’ve developed a tremendous work ethic. That work ethic has evolved as a result of the stamina required to press forward despite adversity.
Natural to hibernate
There is a bit of introvert in me that likes to curl up on my own with a good book in a comfy chair on a dark cold winter night. Can’t tell you what makes it better when it’s very cold, but it just is.
I have a theory that you’re not allowed to complain about being cold in the winter unless you’re wearing long underwear.
It is the secret element that is guaranteed to make all the difference in your enjoyment of the coldest days on the calendar.
A couple of years ago I was at a fast food drive-thru window on one of those -35C days. A young fellow who I suspect had recently immigrated from a Caribbean country, reached out the window with my order; visibly distressed due to the cold.
I leaned out my window and whispered, “long underwear.”
He looked at me with a puzzled expression. I repeated “long underwear is our secret.”
He broke into a huge smile as if the most important mystery of our country had just been revealed to him!
It could be that unconsciously I decided a long time ago to embrace it enthusiastically rather than fight it.
Can’t say for sure how I came to view our coldest winter weather this way, but I nonetheless feel very fortunate to have been raised up in one of the greatest places on the planet, this place that I’m proud to call home!
Posted by Barry Stuart
