According to my weather app, it's currently a frosty 10 degrees outside. The high today will be 12, while the low is -7. Being a Wisconsinite, I'm no stranger to the cold, but Wisconsin winters seem to sneak up on us every year out of nowhere. I mean, weren't we just bragging about the mid 70's weather we experienced at the beginning of November? Now it's time to break out the puffy, insulated jackets and face the long, brisk couple of months that are ahead of us. I've compiled a list of twelve things only those who have experienced a Wisconsin winter will know to be true.
1. Growing up, we were never able to leave the house without being bundled up.
Especially if you were visiting Grandma's house, there was absolutely no way you were walking out that door without your hat, scarf, mittens, and snowsuit on.
2. Your car is stocked with snow removal tools.
You'd better have a snow scraper, a shovel, kitty litter incase you got stuck, and a few extra blankets.
3. We allot an extra 20 minutes into our morning routine just to scrape your car.
If you weren't fortunate to earn a spot in the garage, you know this burden all too well. However, it was the perfect opportunity to bribe your little brother to remove the snow in return for giving him a ride to school.
4. We probably all own a parka or puffy winter coat.
It's not even a fashion statement, it's just a necessity when you're trying to not freeze.
5. The same goes for snow boots.
You're guaranteed to have at least a few pairs.
6. Snow tubing just might be the greatest thing ever.
What could be better than racing your friends down a giant, snow-covered hill? The best part is when you reach the bottom and tumble out of your tube.
7. We practically live on warm beverages all winter long.
Hot chocolate, coffee, tea...nothing is better than staying in and sipping a hot drink on a chilly day.
8. We'd love a side of comfort food with that hot cocoa, please!
Warm soups and casseroles make the harsh wintery weather a little more bearable.
9. We live for snow days.
It doesn't matter if you're six or sixteen, when school or work gets cancelled due to the blizzard outside, you're a happy person!
10. We (kind of) know how to drive in snow.
Driving on snow covered roadways is never ideal, but if we have to get somewhere, we can manage to make it through. It's the other drivers on the roads we're all worried about.
11. We count shoveling the driveway as our workout for the day.
Skip the gym and go shovel the driveway.
12. We always question why we live in this state, but we all know we're never going to leave it.
Home is where the heart is, and the heart belongs in Wisconsin. Despite the dreary winters, we love our state and would never leave it.
