This bitter cold can’t last forever
Well, it had to happen sooner or later. You just knew that there would be at least one bout of bitter cold weather that would sweep the state of Wisconsin.
For the past several days, and extending into next week, much of the Midwest will be gripped by a polar vortex, with temperatures not even getting above zero. It’s times like this I am grateful for my down comforter and weighted quilt.
It also makes it tough to crawl out of bed. Even just one exposed toe or hand feels like ice in mere moments. But at least I have that bed, and a hot shower to sprint into. I also have warm coffee. I have a new car that warms up in less than ten minutes.
In short, there’s still plenty to be thankful for. I’m going to grit my teeth and try to get through these next few days, but the silver lining is that we are in the middle of February.
The days are getting longer, and when the sun has popped through the clouds these last few days, you can feel the warmth behind it. Spring is on the way, and while it may take a few more weeks to get there, these bone-numbing days will give way to warmer weather.
And from there I am sure we will gripe about the heat and humidity that summer brings as we long for those cool, crisp fall days, where the sun glows behind the colored leaves.
The best thing you can do during this dark time is find a way to make the time pass quickly. When it comes to my line of work, I am always on the go, and there’s always something to see and watch and write about.
Sports, especially basketball, helps me get through these days. I was fortunate - as are all the student-athletes this season - to be able to enjoy a basketball season. So much was in doubt this winter, but the girls basketball season has been a success, and we are entering the first weeks of the postseason.
The wrestling season has seen its share of ups and downs. Large tournaments were cancelled, with just dual meets held through the first weeks. Then there were multi-team events, and now we have an actual state tournament, where Tanner and River Halopka will represent the Abbotsford/Colby wrestling co-op.
The Abbotsford girls lost their playoff game on Tuesday night, while the Colby girls ensured they get one more game on Friday. Both of those stories will be in next week’s paper.
It’s hard to see seasons come to a close, and hard to fathom not seeing seniors like Catie Clement or Mya Ruesch play another game for Abbotsford. I have been grateful to watch them all four years of their basketball careers.
I feel the same about all the seniors this year. I’m so happy that they’ve been able to compete and play and get a season.
We are in a dark time for sure, but the sun always shines the brightest after the dark is over. So, let’s plod through and trust that better days will soon be coming our way.
M USINGS AND G RUMBLINGS
ROSS PATTERMANN REPORTER
