Moving North for the winter
Posted by Ronna vonKnorring on Jan 7th, 2008
Are you crazy?? What are you thinking? WHY??
These are the questions asked of me when I announced to my friends in Costa Rica that I was returning to Kansas ... for the winter! Ten full weeks of winter!
I departed Costa Rica six weeks ago, just as the rainy season was coming to an end. I knew that bright and sunny days were on the horizon in Costa Rica, but I had read online that the Midwest would have a "mild winter". I figured weather-wise, it wouldn't be so bad. Well, I was WRONG. Rather, the reports I read were misinforming. Arriving in Kansas, after several delays at my layover in Texas, I was welcomed by my parents at the airport. In their winter coats! Brrr!
Since being here there have been THREE snow storms that produced more than a total of about 12 inches. I know that's not much for a lot of you, but it is for me. Worse than the snow that blew, drifted, and caused me to shiver uncontrollably, was the ICE STORM that hit the area. Over an inch of ice coated everything in sight. Friends and family suffered through the power outages that many of you heard about. Luckily, at mom and dad's where I am staying, the power remained on.
I was quickly reminded how bad weather brings out the worst in some drivers! On an Interstate, a truck sped by me and cut in front of me so close I thought he was going to clip me for sure. Many folks continue to fly down highways even when they are coated in ice. It is like they can't comprehend how the conditions can be dangerous to themselves and others. Being out on the winter roads is bad enough looking out for these nuts behind the wheel, but one has to be looking out for deer too!
I witnessed one come out of nowhere and slam into the car of a friend whom I was following to her house. I avoid driving during "deer time" as much as possible. That would be at dawn, dusk, and all through the night. Having seen several deer carcasses in and beside road ways, and seeing others run out onto major expressways, I avoid the roads at all cost when the sun isn't out to highlight them.
What was I thinking being in the States during the shopping frenzy weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas? Luckily my shopping list was small so I didn't have to stress about finding the "perfect gifts" for numerous people. But I did have to face the crowded parking lots and stores. I was hunting for and found some great bargains on clearance racks in three different cities! I couldn't believe my luck in finding shorts, tank tops and other "summer wear" at prices 80 perccent off! In November! Other fun shopping I've experienced has been at book stores. I have stocked up on several titles and am excited to get them to Costa Rica for "rainy season reading".
When my concerned friends down south, as well as some here in Kansas, question my returning to arctic Kansas, I share some of my experiences over the past six weeks. It affirms that I'm not that insane after all.
I was able to attend my nephew's kindergarten Christmas program. His first public performance that will never be forgotten! I saw my older nephew play his clarinet at his school's Christmas concert and was thoroughly entertained by the talent of those high school students! I bubble up inside each time I visit my little nieces and nephew. They squeal with delight every time they see me, shouting out "AuNana" and smother me in kisses!! I'm loving the fact that the youngest is "getting to know me" on this trip and how the older ones haven't forgotten me since my last one.
I've enjoyed getting together with friends, former co-workers, and various relatives and childhood neighbors and classmates. It has been nice getting caught up on what everyone has been doing. I was here in time for Thanksgiving and was overjoyed to be at the table with family all around. I was able to attend the Christmas Eve service with my parents at their church and joined my sister and her family as they drove through a special Christmas display of lights and decorations at a local lake.
Other memorable activities have been:
• Some fun overnight stays at my friend Kay's house as well as Thanksgiving with her family.
• Seeing my friend Martha preform in her band called "The Kingstonians."
• Witnessing my brother-in-law do his weekly podcast in his living room (www.justanotherfanboy.com).
• Sharing in my family's pride and excitement over my brother's newly released book about his tour in Iraq (www.victorydenied.com).
• Going to a casino and putting money down on my favorite numbers at roulette with my gal pals.
• Getting to visit with Ken's mom, sisters and a brother-in-law for a mini Christmas and a nice meal.
• Attending a girls-only, six course meal at my friend LuAnn's (an avid reader of boomergirl.com) along with friends Ann, Maria, Kay, Karen and Patty.
• Filling in for my niece who usually helps my mom decorate the house for Christmas.
• Enjoying all the Christmas goodies my mom lovingly baked for family and friends.
• Being a part of my dad's last deer hunting adventure and making it a memorable one for us both.
• Helping my mom shovel snow, which she has been doing since my dad's heart attack three years ago.
• Having lots of "giggle" moments with my mom.
• Talking to my sister Karen on the phone almost every day.
• Enjoying the many prime-time game shows that are on T.V. these days.
• Even grocery shopping and running errands with my parents has been fun because of the memories each one creates.
So am I CRAZY to travel to Kansas when the whether is so NASTY here and yet so NICE in Costa Rica? Well if it weren't for all the things experienced above I would say ... yes! I'm NOT enjoying the cold weather. Not one stinking bit. But when you are surrounded by friends and family and are making wonderful memories that can warm your heart year round ... who cares what temperature it is outside?
Besides, this time next month I'll be warmed head to toe, basking in the sunshine that comes into my Costa Rican home. I'm anxious to return to my friends and familiar surroundings in the tropics. I am beyond ready to get back to my dog Taza and my darling Ken - I am missing them both terribly. Being in Kansas for the holidays has been wonderful in many ways, but I do think I will try to avoid "winter returns" in my future.
Happy New Year, everyone!
at 5:03 p.m.
Hey Ronna, It's still cold up here!!! Unbelievably cold. Nice to read your story. It made me appreciate the time I have to make memories. It was great to learn about Roger's book, can't wait to buy it - Love, Jennifer (Bigham)