Not That Cold

With the perpetual ice and snow, the polar vortex, the cold snap, many people have resorted to concealing themselves indoors.
I mean, the idea of a burning fireplace with tea and a good book is nice, but when this cold lasts for weeks on end, cabin fever can set in pretty quickly.
We avoid going outside.
We hermit and hide and pray for nicer weather to start.

This year, during this cold snap, I am even more grateful for my pups.
Especially when they LOVE the ice and snow.
It encourages (well, forces) me to get outside with them. This move to spend more time outside reminds me that I have warm clothing for a reason. I have layers and winter clothing and warm coats that are all meant for this kind of weather. It reminds me that, as long as I dress for the weather, it is really not that bad outside! I can be out there with the dogs actually enjoying the weather. The brisk fresh air. The starry sky and snow crunching underneath my boots. The sounds of silence in the neighbourhood - since we are usually the only ones out there apart from a couple of shovels.

Sure we live in a country where ice and snow is expected for several months out of the year. We also, however, live where snow tires help us get around. Where winter clothing is sold year-round. Where we can find the most appropriate gear to be outside.
I am grateful to be able to enjoy the outside with proper gear. I own everything to be able to comfortably spend time outdoors, and I am going to take advantage of that fact.
There are so many people who are homeless, who would kill to own some of what we are privileged to own, so the dogs help remind me that I should be using what I have.
Otherwise, if I am going to be hiding indoors during the entire winter season, maybe I should be donating a lot of what I have for winter weather.

Thanks pups for reminding me how beautiful it is during the wintertime and that it really is not that cold outside.