We checked in with classmates across the U.S. for photos and news about how the January storms are affecting them. Snow, snow, and more snow, accompanied by bitter cold. How cold is it? Colder even than in the 1950’s when we trudged to school through the snow, uphill both ways!
Here are some samples. Feel free to send your stories and photos to Diane (ddzinn@aol.com) or Marilyn (mbellert@niu.edu). We will pass the news along as it arrives.
Dan Tontz – Deep in the heart of Texas? Yes! 
The beautiful deck where Dan happily spends his time from March to October registered 11 degrees on January 26, but the sun was starting to melt the snow. This past Saturday, Sunday and Monday Dallas had plenty of sleet, ice snow, and subfreezing temperatures for three days. Worst weather in 5 years. Dan
Marilyn Tompkins Bellert – In northern Illinois, only a few inches of snow are on the ground, but day and night sub-zero temperatures mean piling on the sweaters and blankets. We should get above freezing by February 5. Wild winds gusting up to 40 mph keep Wanda, our fish weather vane, constantly whirling. Sure am glad I have this big parka. In Antarctica in 2022, the temp was 25-35 .
Calvin Ross – Although much of Tennessee was hit hard with ice and sleet and thousands of power outages, Calvin’s town of Johnson City seems to have escaped the worst of the storm.
We’re holding forth very cozily inside with our Carrier unit warmly humming along. Outside it’s still snowing a bit. Low temps will be in single digits this week with a high on Saturday of 16! So far we’ve not had a power outage.
Gene Carter – Holding up at Spy Pond in Arlington MA.
Diane Rusch Zinn – Reports say 7-9″ of snow over last weekend, with chill indexes -14 and lower some days. No power outages, but I have a generator just in case. No sleet or ice, but we always have some wind. I’m enjoying watching the bird feeder outside the dining room window. How grateful the juncos, black-capped chickadees, woodpeckers and winter wrens are forthe birdseed and the berries on the crabapple!
