Winter in Paradise

Winter on St. Croix

Winter Winter Everywhere!

Yes, even here.  You’ll notice the amazing sandcastles – I had to shrink the photos to post on the web, I fear you can’t make out the elaborate staircase and other impressive features – alas, the artist created in a place that had become shaded when I was there.  It was bad timing on one of our parts…

While I joyfully rejoice that I do not live in the south, much less further north, you will notice an important thing in the photograph.  Ain’t no one in the water.  Yes, it is pretty; yes, it is blue; yes, the water temp is in the low 80s.  No chance in hell.

This time last year, I went out with Big Beard to Buck Island.  When we arrived, the first mate was asking everyone their shoe size in order to fit them with fins for snorkeling.  When she asked me my size, I replied, “I’m not getting in that water.”  She pointed a finger at me and said, “Local.”  You betcha.

Last night I thought I was going to freeze.  Something that probably sounds impossible to the rest of the world.  Our hottest day and coldest night vary by about 20 to 25 degrees.  Most places in the world, one day can vary by that much.  Last night was in the 70s.  I donned a pair of sweats, crawled under the sheets, pulled up the crocheted blanket and desperately wished for my down comforter which is in storage in the states.  At this point, I would kill for any comforter.

I know that sounds ridiculous, but I have a witness.  Ask Mom about how cold it gets down here in January.  She’ll back me up.  Yes, the temperature is in the 70s, but it feels like winter at night.  Blessedly the days are balmy and there is zero chance of snow (at least since the Weather Channel figured out the code for drug drops…). 

While, I have no problem laughing until I cry at those of you who choose to live in places with the risk of snow – and people choose to live in Wisconsin!!!???? – winter has arrived.  I do need a decent blanket. *sigh*  I really miss my stuff…anyone want to rent me a shipping container to get my things down here?