Things I didn't know

There are a few things I didn't know about winter in the desert. Growing up in the Pacific Northwest was a tad bit different. The moisture is plentiful, everything is always green, and the bugs never die. I only ever saw a skiff of snow growing up there. Utah winters are so different. There are things that wouldn't be obvious about winter here until you experienced them.

1. Dry: You would think that summer heat would be dry. Not the case. It's the winter that's dry. No moisture in the air and the heater on all day equals dry skin, lips, and everything else. Another side effect of the dry air is nosebleeds. Nice.

2. Static: The static electricity here in the winter is unbelievable. It's in my hair, my clothes, the couches, and blankets. It's crazy!

3. Crunchy snow: With sub-zero temperatures the snow that has been hanging out since Christmas is hard as a rock and terribly slick. It's beautiful when the light hits it just right. Like a million little crystals.

3. Bugs: Not a single bug is living around our house this time of year. Not only do we not have to worry about spiders and ants, but our animals don't get fleas either. I'm sure it's worse in a more rural area, but in our little subdivision we don't have to worry about flea infestations. It's so nice.

4. Seasons: Where I grow up there is only 1 season. Rain. It rained quite often. Nothing ever died or froze. It just rained with different intensities over the months. I remember thinking it was funny that people in Utah owned umbrellas because in Northwest Oregon you got wet either way, so why bother? When we visited in June Zeke asked me why the sun was never out and if it rained every day. Just about. I remember being hot in the summer and then by the time we drove to the river it was too cold to get in. :)
Here we have 4 seasons. All beautiful in their own way. I LOVE fall here. I am not used to piles of brown and red leaves and that crisp smelling air. Spring is the only season here that is wet. It only lasts a little while. I am always ready for a change when it comes.

With temperatures in the low single digits we have been inside all week. Kind of a bummer, but my kids love the snow so much that it makes up for it. Luckily as I get older the months move more quickly and I only have to wait a little bit for another season to roll around.