Okay, I’m about to lose more friends, because today I’m going to say something that will really tick people off. And that is- I like the cold weather!

There. I said it and I’m sticking to it. A lot of you…okay…well…all of you…are complaining about the cold. Except for my friend Jeff. He’s from Erie, PA. He says, “You call this cold? You don’t know cold!” Many of them are longing for the blistering heat of summer. And that’s okay. It will come around soon enough.

But I like the cold. And here’s why.

• It gives me an excuse, if I need one, to put on sweats, make a pot of coffee or mug of hot chocolate, sit around the house, and read books, do some writing, maybe watch a movie. Note- I do that anyway, but I don’t feel near as bad about it when it’s cold outside.
• If I do decide to go outside, I breath in and am reminded that I am alive. I feel the cold air enter my lungs, and sometimes I see it come back out. I like bundling up in layers of clothing until I resemble the Michelin Man. And I like making eye contact with those other brave souls who are out walking dogs, checking the mail, getting some exercise. We all know who are the hardy ones in the neighborhood.
• And you can always put on more clothes in the cold, while you can only take off a certain amount in the heat.
• And it gives me the chance to check in with my friends via text to make sure they are okay. I know I could do that anyway anytime, but it seems less weird for me to check in on them when it’s cold. This in itself is good and warming to me because it reminds me of how many friends I have.

I pray for those who have problems with cold weather- the homeless, people without adequate warmth, the sick. And for those with no one to cuddle up to. I try to do things to help them- donating coats, gloves, hats, small heaters, electric blankets. Except for the cuddling. They are on their own.

So, pardon me while I bundle up and go out for a short walk. I love it! Baby, it’s cold outside!