Winter People

by Kit Kittredge

As a crack journalist, I study people everywhere I go.  I have noticed that my neighbors in Cincinnati all have different ways of coping with winter.  When you live in a winter climate, you know the feeling of the snow being deeper than the top of your boots.  Brrr!  At the Cincinnati Register, we call stories like this one ‘human interest’ stories.

Caroline lives nearby, and she looks forward to winter because it means completely changing up her wardrobe.   Wintery weather means an opportunity to get out her fluffiest pink coat and  shearling boots.Don’t let the blond hair and shopping bags fool you — she is more than a pretty face!  Caroline’s love of winter clothing was the start of our neighborhood coat and mitten drive for needy kids.  She uses her shopping talents to scoop up items to donate when clearance sales start.  (It’s important for journalists not to reinforce stereotypes – K.K.).   Having a fashionista among us is just the encouragement we need to try a new winter look and pass down our still nice coats to those in need.

Every Northern inhabitant has a neighbor like dear Addy.  Addy is our winter dog walker.

Winter dog walkers are often so bundled up that you aren’t quite sure who is under the hat and scarf!  A big dog like Rembrandt needs exercise, even when the temps are below zero.

Grace can’t wait for the first snowfall to hit the slopes.  There is no winter sport that Grace won’t try, and she has heaps of winter sports gear to prove it!  She always talking about black diamond runs and half pipes.  After school she takes a bus with her classmates to the local ski hill.  She hasn’t broken anything yet!

One of the most delightful parts of living in a winter climate is having an excuse to slow down, stay home, and hibernate.  And you guessed it… that is my approach to winter!

Here I am with a good book, flannel night-gown, and a warm quilt.

What do you like to do when north winds blow?