I feel sorry for my wife as she has to hold my hand for the next week as we venture North to stay with her sister's family in the mountains of western North Carolina. I was looking at the weather forecast and things looked okay with highs in the mid 60s and of course moisture but about the time we are scheduled to show up in our car in Asheville Sunday evening a trumpet blast of cold air is set to hit the state with a night time low of 18 degrees Fahrenheit. I haven't been that cold since we went to Fargo, North Dakota to announce our winter engagement to her sister (who has rather poor taste as far as places to live are concerned). At that time I nearly suffocated taking the dog for a walk on a frozen river so deep in snow I couldn't see the dog. Temperatures then were something bizarre like twenty below zero Fahrenheit, so this is something of an improvement. I had to wear socks all night when we went to celebrate a nephew's marriage in Asheville in May, and all the wedding guests were remarking on the delightful summery weather. This is going to be very tiresome I can just tell. Especially for my long suffering wife.
10 comments:
Dear Sir:
I have learned to discourage visits to the significant other's family by drinking heavily once there, and telling her folks exactly what I think.
I did this at a family reunion of cowboys in Nebraska, pivoted on one heel, and left the house. Unfortunately, I fell over a little fence bordering the garden outside and became concealed by soybeans or something.
The cowboys followed shortly thereafter and expressed a degree of consternation. One said, "How the hell can a guy that big disappear in a state this flat so fast?"
One of their dogs discovered me about an hour later. This incident is still the subject of some discussion -- ten years later.
Fondest regards,
Jack Riepe
Twisted Roads
Conch - My body's thermostat has had months to prepare for the Ohio winter. I cannot imagine how cold it will feel to you and your bride.
Ugh, I went to upstate NY and Boston in November and I swear I think I got arthritis from the cold (I ached the whole time).
I am sorry for you and your bride.
On a positive note, go check out Biltmore in Asheville. One of the Vanderbilts created an American Castle (I am sure you have seen your share in Europe), but still a fascinating place none the less.
It is the largest privately owned home in the United States. I think it is something 3 square acres of house (and at one time was on like 115,000 acres of grounds). It might not be as nice in the winter as the grounds are extensive, but I bet they have it decorated for the holidays.
So, maybe there is a positive note.
I'd feel sorry for you, but after dealing with snow and subfreazing temps in Michigan for two weeks, NC is a huge improvement. Ya can't be in paradise all the time! :)
-Peace
It's hard for me to be too sympathetic...Right now its 21 degrees....winds from 26 mph gusting to 37. and 6 to 12 inches of snow expected...I had to run all of my errands in 4 wheel drive (i gave the sled dogs the day off)...not to mention the pre-trip shoveling...Why the hell do i live here?????
Buffalo Bill
It is a good thing that your long suffering wife really loves you.
Sending you warm thoughts of a big bear rug before a roaring log fire with a cup of steaming hot chocolate topped with melted marshmellows. Mind over reality. Go Conch.
I feel so sorry for you & welcome to our world. At least you won't be there that long, we have to endure these conditions for another 3 months (less if we are lucky) bring more socks. And also as you have pointed out on a previous occasion I'm glad you are also using your "bloated" bike. I am also sure that the change of scenery will be good for you. The challenge will be for you to keep your car on the road for I doubt that you will find roads as straight as you are used to.
Double sigh.
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