Ready for the warmup

I am sure I am not alone when I say I am tired of the cold. Yes by the end of this week, we should experience some respite from the frigid temperatures; but after a week or more of single digits and below zero temps, I would say we will need several days to thaw out.

It is crazy to see so much of the country covered with snow. If New Orleans had planned a Mardi Gras parade this year, the snow plows would have had to clear the streets to make it happen on Fat Tuesday. I heard on Good Morning America that it was the coldest Mardi Gras week since 1899 when the temp reached 30 degrees coupled with a blizzard on Valentine’s Day.

I know as Iowans, we would love to see the thermometers hit the 30s. I know my husband and I are very thankful for our new furnace that has been working overtime this past week. I know I am ready for the days we give the poor machine a break.

Hopefully as the mercury rises, we can find more comfortable temperatures and not go back to the single digits. I know my thoughts and feelings toward the cold have certainly changed since becoming a mother. It was nice to be able to keep my son inside last weekend without the necessity of going anywhere.

It was a comfortable weekend at home with the three of us spending Valentine’s Day with plenty of family time, in our own little bubble away from the icy wind. Valentine’s Day will always have a special place in my heart since my husband proposed to me on that day. What a different day that was four years ago. We were going for an evening walk at the Newton Arboretum with only the need for a light jacket.

This year the weather was polar opposite, and the idea of an outdoors walk was furthest from our minds.

When the temperatures dip and stay below zero, you can’t help but think of the people in the community who don’t have a roof over their heads. One hopes they were able to find someone or someplace to stay or at least find ways to stay warm.

I had a lengthy phone call last week with a concerned citizen who tried to help a man walking around town in flip flops. He was more than willing to help the guy out and go buy him some boots. Unfortunately, he disappeared before he could offer him a ride to Goodwill. He didn’t care one way or another what the guy’s history was or how he came to be homeless. He was just trying to be a decent human being and extend some kindness.

We do have places that can help these individuals if they are willing to seek the help. I know the Capstone’s Connections drop-in center would offer a meal and a place to keep warm during the day. Discover Hope also offers meals and a place for individuals to go who are in need.

We are lucky to live in a community that offers these services. It’s also nice to know we have people in town that just want to help, no matter what. Those thoughts helped keep me warm as we muddle through this lovely Iowa winter.

Contact Pam Pratt at pampratt@newtondailynews.com