Midwest Mary

You know you’re alive when frigid air hits you in the face. It’s like a slap from the heavens reminding you to look up and move quickly.

We recently experienced dangerously cold conditions in the Chicago area with temperatures dropping as low as -11 degrees Fahrenheit. A polar cold front swept through the Midwest followed by a Canadian high-pressure system that originated in Siberia.

We take meteorologists’ warnings about frost bite seriously when temperatures drop this low. We bundle up in our warmest layers of clothing and avoid going outdoors as much as possible. We work from home, help the children with e-learning, and put on a pot of soup.

But then the cold days continue, and we get on with our lives. Bundled up in our warmest clothes, we run our errands, go to work, and pick up groceries. This is OK, because we believe we look smart in our outwear and boots. (As if these articles can truly make us look smart.)

Our weather here fluctuates considerably from day to day, and soon the temperatures eke up a bit higher, which makes us brave. We eliminate some of the layers and omit the hat and gloves. Some don’t even zip up their jackets. Dirty snow, black ice, and frozen cheeks are integral elements of Midwest winters.

The dreary days can get us down, but no matter the temperature, we light up on those brisk sunny days when the snow sparkles and icicles are spotted dangling from gutters. The melting of snow on rooftops allows drops to roll down, drip, and freeze one drop connected to the next.

Melt, roll, drip, and freeze. Melt, roll, drip, and freeze. The longer this process repeats, the longer the icicles become.

Take a moment to check out nature’s ice sculptures, but do be careful. When icicles drop, they are like daggers.

©2026, Mary K. Doyle

**ACTA Publications is currently offering my book, Tranquility Transformation Transcendence, at a special price of $10. This is a great book to bring a hostess, someone who is not feeling well, or to add in a gift package such as with a little plant or pretty dish towels.