I'm glad you're all still here. Can't believe that 2008 is on its way. January just went away and I didn't notice. I bet you all know that feeling. You want to call a friend or post in the blog and five days later, you realize that you haven't done it. Tonight I will not procrastinate anymore.
I've been in Chicago 15 years and every year I'm amazed at how the winter hits this city. Every year the winter is different. You can't predict it. The last 3 weeks have been filled wih snow and now all the streets are lined by mountains of ice. Take a look:
The temperature has gone down as far as -25 degress F, with the windchill, and at that temperature you can hardly breath. The wind pounds the trees and you hear its whiz as you sit drinking tea at home, cuddled in bed, enjoying your central heat.... silently hoping a tree won't fall on your roof.
Everyone has a story or two every year. Something happens that will make you remember this or that winter. For example, the winter of '95 was the one when I fell on my ass on the street because I walked on a patch of ice; the winter of '99 was the one when there was so much snow on the roof of my building at work that it gave in and the snow came down inside and we were all sent home; Of course, this winter is the one I got stuck in my car in 3 feet of snow in the alley coming out of Stephane's garage. I kicked the snow, tried to sweep it, I rocked the car... nothing worked. I was sweating at -10 degress F for ONE HOUR! Amazingly, there is always someone who will help. This time I got to meet Stephane's next door neighbour, Julie. She came to my rescue and tought me a trick. You can use your car's winter mats to give your tires traction. Yes, in Chi-twon, we have summer mats (made of rug material); and winter mats (made of very thick rubber). Believe you me.... I will not forget this trick. Funny how the locals know stuff you don't - even after 15 years! I guess you have to grow up here and see your grandpa do it. There is no manual, no "How To" book you get with the Welcome Wagon. Thus, with every story I've learnt a lesson. The most important of all is that when the temperature is very low and someone needs help, there will always be someone who will help you. They may not speak to you in the summer; but in the winter, everyone is keeping an eye out for evetyone else.
So now you know what I've been up to. Not an excuse, just a fact. I'm glad to read y'all again!!!
Lucia
PS. Tanya, thanks for being such a good Edron ambassador. Do say hello to all our Edron friends. Keep bringing back pictures for all of us top see. And btw, ask Patrick O to send me his email address so he can start blogging too.
