The Cold, It Bites! Lessons learned (so far) by a Floridian in the Kansas Cold.

The temperature has been low for a week. We haven't quite hit the freezing mark yet. The other day, it was 1 degree. Just one. Wind chills have put temps in the negatives on a regular basis. It snowed on Sunday, and that was when I realized things were a little different this time around in the Kansas winter. So here are some things I've learned since yesterday.

Once a southerner, always a southerner (I'd call myself a "belle" but I didn't move from retirement communities or the beach until I went to college). The dry inside heat must be making me thirsty. "I should get some nice warm apple cider! No, I think I'll have sweet tea."

1. Nothing like a snowy day to make you crave sweet tea.

I can tell roughly how cold it is outside based on the temp in my garage. If it's in the 60s, the outside temp is probably 30-40s. If it's in the 50s, the outside then the temps are in the teens to 20s. I don't even know how to process the most recent temperatures. When I leave the house, I usually try to get out of the neighborhood before the temperature reads 27-30 degrees. I haven't gotten out of the driveway before it gets there. Dang it.

2. Don't play beat the thermometer in your car. It's a losing battle.

I bought a nice long, warm wool coat last year knowing one day I'd want to wear a cute dress, some fleece lined leggings, and flats. A parka would have been better. And a giant scarf, gloves, and ear muffs. So what if it's only 3 degrees outside!

3. Don't be afraid to be the warmest looking person in sight... or probably the city. 

There's nothing like whipping your feet out of your boots because you've been walking in the snow and cold weather but your shoes aren't keeping the heat in!"My toes are COLD!!"

4. All boots are NOT created equally. I wish they were all fleece/wool lined.

Stay tuned for more lessons in the cold.

-Lindsay