it is december, right?

(...just checking)

colorado has funny weather. and by funny, i mean awesome. it's sunny about 300 days of the year, and it's dry, meaning the cold is bearable because it doesn't chill you to the bones and the heat is bearable because it doesn't melt you into a puddle of humidity and sweat. and, as the saying goes, if you don't like the weather, just wait ten minutes- it'll change.

despite the bipolar weather patterns, though, one thing is usually constant each winter: snow. especially at this time of year. usually there is snow by halloween (to my chagrin, i don't remember a halloween as a kid where i did not have to incorporate my winter coat into my costume). (which by the way, always made me mad). (especially when i was a flamenco dancer). this halloween, there was no snow. it was nice; nice enough to walk the dogs in light jackets while the kids trick or treated. 'ah, this is what it's supposed to feel like in october!' i thought to myself.

november is (usually) no different. most thanksgivings are cold and snowy on the outside, but warm and mushy on the inside. by the time thanksgiving rolls around, all the leaves have usually fallen off the trees and it feels like winter, not fall. this year, however, it was a classic autumn day: sunny and crisp, crunchy leaves outside and football inside. i remember thinking that this is what fall is supposed to look like, colored leaves and leather boots for more than a few days! i was grateful for much this year, including real fall weather.

now it's december. mid-december, actually. and still, no snow. in fact, today (high of 65), i walked the dogs in a sweatshirt and jeans. no gloves. didn't bring a coat to work. over the weekend, it dipped to a chilly 42 degrees, but still no snow.

now, i don't want to complain, i really don't: snow is a pain more often than not, and i know that my house is staying all the cleaner because of the dryness. however.... seriously, colorado?! seriously? this is your winter?!

i say that as a homeowner: my lawn and bulbs need water, and i'm conflicted about whether to get the hose out again. i say that as a fashionista: i have a lot of warm weather clothes that are begging to get worn. i say that as a driver: i bought a four wheel drive a few years ago and justify my gas mileage during the summer with thoughts of harsh winters ahead. i say that as a dog-owner: snow is, by far, the best weather for my dogs to run around in, look cute, and enjoy life. (also great weather to justify a vetoed dog walk). and, i say it as a coloradoan: we pride ourselves on our weather, and if we're honest, our state is a little behind the game here.

that said, i knock on wood, cause knowing colorado, the big blizzard of the year is right around the corner and i may be snowed in for days. in fact, i haven't checked outside yet today, i should go take a peek to see if it's already started....