Country Focus: North Dakota ‘heat wave’ a welcome relief

After the frigid weather last week, the brief heat wave is a welcome relief. However, another round of snow will be here just as we got dug out from the last one. My daughter can start building her fort in the front yard.

Plus, there are plenty of snow piles around Tower City to sled down or play king of the hill.

During wintertime on the farm, we had plenty of activities to keep ourselves occupied. However, to go outside there was a process to being properly dressed. I had to find two empty bread bags that went over my feet. Then, put on my snow pants. After that, put my bread bag feet in snow boots and zip up my coat. Finally, find a stocking cap dad got for free from a seed company, sometimes a scarf to cover my mouth and nose and then my mittens. I had to get outside before I started sweating from all the layers and effort.

One of my favorite winter activities was playing broomball on the small slough in the CRP field across the road. I maybe should have worn knee pads underneath my snow pants. I guess it didn’t matter back then. I was enjoying the sunny winter day and my joints didn’t creak like they do now.

When us kids were older, we’d pull each other on a sled with the 3-wheeler. The ATV with the puffy tires that could tip easily. But boy was that fun!! The speed, flying through air plus the opportunity to pay back my brother and sister for unresolved squabbles. I’m amazed none of us were seriously hurt.

Stay warm and be safe with the next shovel-able snow event.