Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Winter Drought

Great. My first attempt at a post after many months and I can't figure out how to insert a photo now that Blogger has been upgraded since I was last here. Well, I will publish anyway - use your imagination for a city neighborhood that is empty of greenery and snow - just cold.

I was going to show you my block this morning, January 23. It was only 10 degrees and I was out for a walk wearing a down hooded parka, and 2 pairs each of pants, socks, and gloves. Perfect for walking - no snow or ice! This is pretty unbelievable for Chicago, and all of us who have to walk or bike around town are grateful. My #2 daughter can still ride her bike to work from time to time, and there are no worries about slipping in traffic. The other day I read in the paper that no snow cover in January means that plants are suffering from the lack of cover for their roots. The ground freezes more deeply, and that affects insects and animals, too. The biggest problem, though, is that the lack of snow will result in little moisture for trees and other plants in the spring. Is this another aspect of global warming?