Midwest Mary

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By

Mary K. Doyle

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Managing Midwest Winters

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.

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Responses to “Managing Midwest Winters”

  1. kagould17

    So mazing to see such bad weather in the East, when we are languishing in warm weather here. +7 C (44 1/2 F) yesterday. +12 C (53 1/2 F) today. Hope your weather improves soon Mary. Happy Wednesday. Allan

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      The sun is peaking, so all is wonderful here, Allan. Blessings to you, my friend.

      Reply
  2. gustavo_horta

    Abraço grande e fraterno!

    Que bom ter como se abrigar do frio, não é?

    Amor, compaixão, solidariedade. É fundamental nessas circunstâncias

    FELICIDADE. SEMPRE.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      O mesmo para você, querido Gustavo. Aproveite o sol em seu mundo.

      Reply
      1. gustavo_horta

        Hoje temos uma chuvinha deliciosa

        QUE SEJA MESMO UM DIA BOM

        Que seja mesmo um dia bom. Muito bom!

        Reply
        1. Mary K. Doyle

          Obrigada, querido Gustavo.

          Reply
  3. Mags Win

    Those icicles are the longest I have ever seen. I was finally able to get out for the first time today. We still have sleet in the yards but the roads are clear. We broke records here with the frigid weather. Glad you all are doing okay.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Everyone seems to be getting some type of crazy weather, Mags. Please be careful venturing out on the streets. Hugs to you.

      Reply
      1. Mags Win

        I no longer drive so no worries on me being on the streets. Almost all of the frozen stuff is gone from my yard and the streets are all clear. We have beautiful sunshine today.

        Reply
  4. SRIKANTH

    Mary, what a beautiful and evocative piece of writing. You’ve captured the gritty, poetic reality of a Midwest winter perfectly—that strange dance between harsh survival and sudden, crystalline beauty.

    The opening line is a knockout. It sets the tone immediately: winter not as a passive season, but as an active, almost spiritual confrontation. You move seamlessly from the meteorological facts (that Siberian air!) to the human rituals of soup and e-learning, making the experience feel both epic and intimately familiar.

    I especially love the paragraph about our cautious bravery as the temperature “ekes” up, and the discarded gloves. It’s such a true and subtle observation of winter psychology. And then you pivot to the light—those sparkling sunny days that change everything. The rhythmic “Melt, roll, drip, and freeze” is hypnotic and lovely, mirroring the very process it describes.

    Your closing warning about the “daggers” is the perfect, sharp note to end on—a reminder that this beauty is never without its edge.

    This is more than just a description of weather; it’s a meditation on resilience and attention. You’ve reminded us to feel the slap, yes, but also to look up and see the sculptures. Really wonderful work. Thank you for sharing it.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Wow! Thank you for your incredible review of my post. What a blessing to have your presence here today. Thank you, and all the best to you.

      Reply
  5. CJ Antichow

    I had to do the conversion Mary, to see just how cold we’re talking lol…for you guys I guess that does seem wickedly cold. For us, an average day and nice enough for the kids to play outside. They only do indoor recess here if it’s colder than -30. Your temp, -11 is -24 for us.
    Stay warm!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Oh, my. I guess if dressed appropriately, all is good. We get what we get. Hugs to you, Girlfriend.

      Reply
      1. CJ Antichow

        ☺️

        Reply
  6. mjeanpike

    Nice post, Mary. Our temps are slowly climbing back up to bearable here 🙂 I have always loved icicles 🙂

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      We learn to enjoy the beauty whatever the temps, don’t we M Jean? Love to you.

      Reply
  7. Monkey’s Tale

    You have to either enjoy winter, or you’ll be miserable in northern climates. Stay warm Mary, Maggie

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Exactly, Maggie. There’s always something exciting out there no matter the weather. All the best to you.

      Reply
  8. Indira

    Beautiful winter scenes!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, dear Indira.

      Reply
  9. Ernie ‘Dawg’

    You made me cold just reading this Mary, guess this is another day to stay inside.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      LOL. Actually, I am going to the pool this afternoon and will leave with wet hair. It’s all good. Hugs to you, my friend.

      Reply
  10. Rosaliene Bacchus

    Love the photos, Mary. Stay safe and warm ❤

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      And enjoy your beautiful weather, dear Rosaliene.

      Reply
      1. Rosaliene Bacchus

        I am, Mary. Thanks 😀

        Reply
  11. Carolina Cuisine Network

    Wow Mary, you really live in a Winter wonderland! Stay cool but don’t freeze!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      We learn to love it. Every day is a gift. Thank you for chiming in. I do appreciate you.

      Reply
  12. Dawn Pisturino

    Black ice caused my terrible car accident in 2014. I feel lucky to be alive. I love to look at snow at Christmas, but then I want it to go away.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Oh, now, Dawn! I’m sorry to hear about that accident. Were you hurt? And yes, snow is stunning–for a moment. Then, melt, already!

      Reply
  13. joannerambling

    Damn that is cold, I had to google it to see how cold and it was minus 24 Celsius now that is bloody cold. Our weather is also all over the place but never that cold

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      We are warming up. Still cold, but it is better. Fortunately, we don’t typically stay in a weather pattern for long.

      Reply
  14. terryshen

    Wow Mary. This is more like a HARD slap saying “stay put.” Be safe.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      LOL! You’re right. Thank you for commenting.

      Reply
  15. jmankowsky

    Looks like the ice in Massachusetts!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      The ice is dangerous. That’s the worst time to drive. Thank you for joining the conversation.

      Reply
  16. Willie Torres Jr.

    Amen, Mary. ❄️ I felt that cold slap from heaven just reading this. Even in the freeze, God still shows His beauty in the sparkle, the light, and the quiet lessons of endurance.

    This winter has been brutal. I am counting the days till Spring like a rocket launch. 🚀 3, 2, 1… SPRING !!! Ugh, I can’t wait.
    Until then, we bundle up, look “smart” in our coats, and trust that warmer days inside and out are on the way. 🙏

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I think we were spoiled the last few years, Willie. We had several mild winters. I’m with you. I do love spring. It’s exciting when things start to blossom and the sun is shining. Blessings to you, my friend.

      Reply
      1. Willie Torres Jr.

        I think we deserve to be spoiled once in a while 🙂😂 But this weather is punishment… I’m counting the days… 23 more days till March…

        Reply
  17. Michael Sammut

    Even looking at the photos gives me the shivers 😁.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Hahaha. No worries about it being this cold by you, my friend. Enjoy the warmth and sunshine.

      Reply
      1. Michael Sammut

        Actually this year we are getting lots of rain and very windy days.

        Reply
  18. wiseforward

    Beautifully haunting photos!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you! I appreciate you stopping by.

      Reply
  19. Ronit Penso Tasty Eats

    Even though NYC storm was not as bad as you’ve experienced, I’ve lived in Vermont for a few years, so I know what you’re going through. Hopefully this will be the last of the really bad weather. Hang in there, and watch out for these icicles! 🙂

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      We should be better now–hopefully. 🙂 Thank you, dear Ronit.

      Reply
  20. Rebecca Cuningham

    Thanks for your musings on Midwest winters. I like your comments on icicles, with very few tweaks they would fit the poetry challenge!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I did like the rhythm of it, Rebecca. I’m always behind reading posts. By the time I see your challenges, they are over. Blessings to you.

      Reply
      1. Rebecca Cuningham

        You have until Sunday. : )

        Reply
  21. NEERAJ SINGH

    looking beautiful 👌

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Neeraj!

      Reply
  22. Edward Ortiz

    Oh yeah, it’s been freezing the past couple of weeks. Coffee is my antidote, it makes everything better.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I’m not a coffee drinker, but I feel the same way about my tea. All the best to you, my friend.

      Reply
      1. Edward Ortiz

        Thank you, Mary. At least it’s getting warmer now.

        Reply
  23. Hazel

    Gosh, keep warm, Mary. I giggled about looking smart with boots and thick covers.🤭 It looks great, but the freezing weather sometimes feels not so good. But, just enjoy the wonderland. Philippines don’t have.🤩

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, sweet Hazel. You certainly don’t need all the layers of clothing. We look like mummies!

      Reply
      1. Hazel

        My pleasure, Mary. God bless!

        Reply
  24. lenny unencumbered

    I’m actually jealous of the weather you’re experiencing as I navigate through an extended heatwave here.
    I absolutely love winter and am looking forward to it’s return in a few months.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I’ve heard about high temperatures in some parts of the world. I do prefer the sunny days, though, no matter what time of year. We get stuck here in clouds.

      Reply
  25. restlessjo

    We can put a positive spin on anything, Mary, and your photos are beautiful. In Portugal wind and rain are the main culprits, and we have some very serious flooding issues at present (not affecting me directly, but heart breaking to see) xx

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I’m sorry about the flooding. I’ve been to Portugal three times and loved every moment. All the best to you.

      Reply
  26. Violet Lentz

    This is kind of weather is expected and prepared for weather patterns here in AK. But I do feel for those of you that are not prepared for so much arctic air.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Are you also cloudy, Violet? I’m sure your winters are long.

      Reply
      1. Violet Lentz

        For the most part yes, but we are having a nice sunny week

        Reply
  27. P. J. Gudka

    Winter is so beautiful but also so dangerous. Thanks for sharing these.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Too bad there is a drawback to everything! Hugs to you, Pooja.

      Reply
      1. P. J. Gudka

        Hugs!

        Reply
  28. LaDonna Remy

    I am glad you are navigating the winter days well and hope you continue to stay safe and warm.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, LaDonna. You are so sweet. I appreciate you.

      Reply
      1. LaDonna Remy

        ❤️❤️

        Reply
  29. Sonam Pintso Sherpa

    👍

    Reply
  30. Nancy Homlitas

    Your pics are a good representation of the current frigid conditions, Mary. It’s been too cold to go outside with a metal camera to capture the beauty of winter. 🙂

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      There are days that the camera fogs too much to get great photos. You make a valid point, my friend.

      Reply
  31. Stephanie

    I thought I would experience a little of this, this year, but it’s been warm and Spring like here in the northeast during this big winter storm! It’s been warmer here than in FL where I moved from!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      We sure are having some crazy weather.

      Reply
      1. Anonymous

        Oh, I meant northwest. 😀

        Reply
  32. Michele Lee

    The cold and danger are visible in your gorgeous photos. Keep the warm soup and hot tea coming! 🫖 Sending you some sunshine, angel Mary. 💛

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      We captured your sunshine, Michele. Thank you! It’s nice here today. Love to you, dear friend.

      Reply
      1. Michele Lee

        Wonderful! 🌞 Enjoy and love to you, too, my sweet angel friend. 🩷

        Reply
  33. LoveLifeHappiness&More💙💙

    Love these photos, thank you for sharing.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, T’.

      Reply
      1. LoveLifeHappiness&More💙💙

        My pleasure. Hope you are doing well.

        Reply
  34. Garden Bliss

    We never have such cold here, Mary. I’m shivering as I view your images. I’ll look out for those sharp icicles too! 🥶

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      LOL. I think I’d love living in Australia.

      Reply
  35. johnlmalone

    wow ! I’ve never experienced winters like this; it’s the summers that can go a little crazy in Oz 😦

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Hahaha. We are warming up, so all is good, John.

      Reply
  36. Awakening Wonders

    Snow days are made for hot cocoa and sweaters! Your images brought back memories of living in Minnesota for many years. I’m enjoying living in the southwest for now. 💖💖💖

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      The southwest must be lovely, Mary. At the very least, we need to see the sun!

      Reply
  37. gc1963

    Lovely pics Mary.

    Must be really difficult to work in such weather.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      For those who work outside, the weather can be challenging, but they do learn to dress appropriately.

      Reply
  38. The Introverted Bookworm

    Goodness, gracious, that seems very cold indeed! Your pictures are stunning. I suffer from chilblains, so the cold is particularly uncomfortable for me, although winter can indeed be beautiful. 💜

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      That must be very uncomfortable for you, Ada. I’m sorry for your pain.

      Reply
  39. Praveen Yadav

    Wow, as lovely as this scene looks, it is equally dangerous for creatures. We humans somehow manage to take care of ourselves, but how do the poor animals and birds survive?

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I wonder that myself, Praveen. There are so many tiny ones like sparrows. It amazes me that they can keep warm enough.

      Reply
      1. Praveen Yadav

        It’s God’s miracle that he’s saved them too. Giving life and caring for them are all in God’s hands.

        Reply
  40. da-AL

    brrrr – that sounds brutal! when I lived in NY, I always felt like the Goodyear Tire Man when I bundled up – and I truly feel for what utilities must cost when I see how costs have risen even here in sunny So. Cal. Sending you warm hugs, dear

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      LOL. Fortunately, da-Al, we don’t stay in a weather pattern for long. Today was “warm” and sunny.

      Reply
      1. da-AL

        thank goodness! we’re getting lots of rain today — Los Angelenos aren’t accustomed to weather lol

        Reply
  41. Kimberly Vargas Agnese

    Wow… so cold…

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      The sun was out today, Kimberly. And that makes me happy. Thank you for reading, my friend.

      Reply
      1. Kimberly Vargas Agnese

        🙂

        Reply
  42. spotlightchoices.com-C. Wilson

    Enjoyed this post about living through the cold and the mild!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you. I hope it is warm and sunny where you live.

      Reply
      1. spotlightchoices.com-C. Wilson

        You’re welcome – we are experiencing some mild winter days!

        Reply
  43. SeniorsFutures

    Beautiful but so cold.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you for joining the conversation.

      Reply
  44. K. Ravindra

    Loved this post on thriving through the cold and the mild

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you! I hope all is well.

      Reply

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