Chilly Days in Idaho

When it comes to snowy seasons, I generally embrace the festive spirit, but let’s be real—this is over the top. The chill has been relentless. December can be particularly biting in Idaho. You may wonder just how frigid it gets? Picture this: colder than a mother-in-law's kiss. It was so cold that when I took Libby out this morning, she seemed ready to grab a sled. It was so cold that heading to my writing office felt like an Arctic expedition.

This morning, the temperature dipped to 14 degrees—not even at the crack of dawn, but around 9:30 AM. That's seriously cold. Snow is expected to fall on and off throughout the week, starting tomorrow. After enduring 30 Idaho winters, I've adapted somewhat, especially coming from California where snow was a rarity. But this freezing weather has me questioning my sanity.

With all the wind and heavy snowfall, Jack might as well be a frozen popsicle. I thought about staying home, cozy and warm, especially since our heating system had been misbehaving for a few days. I didn’t realize at first, as our townhouse has one of those old-fashioned thermostats without a digital display.

For a while, it felt colder than usual. I attributed it to the sudden drop in temperature. I even suspected our bedroom window was leaking cold air. It became absurd; everything I touched felt like ice. I had to type out 500 words on my laptop just to thaw it out. My hands were practically glued to the keyboard. Something had to give.

Luckily, a repairman named Jorge came by yesterday, tinkering with the heating system until it was back in action. Thanks to him, we were no longer freezing. No longer did it feel like I had two marbles and a Tic-Tac in my pants. We settled in for a cozy night, with Libby Mooch nestled between us.

Now, leaving our warm abode to brave the 14-degree weather was less enticing than usual. Typically, I relish my writing time at the office, but this morning was a struggle. I felt like I should have had someone wrap me up like Randy from A Christmas Story, even if it meant I couldn’t move my arms. The office is just under a mile away; I could have maneuvered my truck with my knees.

Randy’s winter gear would have been perfect for today’s icy drive. Thankfully, my writing office was warm and inviting. A year ago, that wouldn’t have been the case; the heating system had failed in the fall of 2021, and the replacement wasn’t scheduled until spring. Space heaters were a lifesaver back then, but now I appreciate the comfort of a functioning HVAC system.

The only downside of this weather is driving anywhere—especially in my 2007 Dodge 1500, which takes a while to warm up. However, my wife’s 2020 Kia Optima Turbo heats up much faster. Speaking of comfort, those heated leather seats are a game changer. If my wife continues to excel in her counseling practice and finally gets that Jeep Rubicon she’s been eyeing, I’d gladly take over the Optima while letting the kids endure the truck.

In the midst of this extreme cold, I truly recognize the blessings my family has. We have winter coats, warm clothes, and a roof over our heads. Dinner is always a warm meal, with Libby frequently napping between her six to eight snoozes a day. I can’t fathom the struggles of those living in cars or the homeless without any shelter. I hope shelters are available and that those in need have warm sleeping bags and clothing.

Our country possesses the resources to help those in need, yet the funds are often diverted elsewhere. For instance, consider this staggering statistic:

With 3,708 nuclear weapons at our disposal, it’s evident we could obliterate every country on Earth multiple times over. This represents an investment of around $108 billion in nuclear armament, while we neglect to adequately house and feed the homeless.

So tonight, as you nestle into bed or sit by a warm fire, take a moment to express gratitude. Baby, it’s cold outside—especially here in Idaho. I’ll be counting my blessings, thankful that my family is warm and secure this season. Libby will be content too, as long as she’s not freezing outside. Wishing you a Merry Freezemas from me and The Mooch.

Musical Interlude

The first video features a playful rendition of "Baby, It's Cold Outside," perfect for warming up to the winter theme.

The second video, a lyric video for "Cold Outside," captures the essence of this chilly season beautifully.