The sun was flanked by a pair of rainbow hued Sun Dogs as Linda and I drove home from mass this morning. I found the -9 on my dashboard display to be oddly encouraging. Following a record warm December, a Brown Christmas, and a recent report from the World Meteorological Organization that 2023 was the hottest year in 174 years of record keeping, I am enjoying the heck out of this Arctic Outbreak.

My recollection of the late 70's, when four consecutive winters averaged 10-15 degrees colder than normal, is vivid. By comparison, it seems we woke up one day and someone moved the equator 200 miles north. The blizzard-like conditions that accompanied this recent change in the weather were especially reminiscent.

Despite the difficulties and contagious levels of disruption this creates, I relish the epic quality the simplest tasks acquire. Maybe it's because modern life has become so comfortable. I'm not an adrenaline junkie as Dad thinks, but life without uncertainty and hardship lacks contrast. The pain we experience makes us appreciate its lack, sunny gorgeous summer afternoons are made more rewarding by brutal January polar vortexes.

Being proponents of the, "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger," ethos, our company sees these challenges as growth opportunities. Lessons learned have year-round relevance. Proactivity to anticipate an adverse event that may or may not happen, willingness to take up a responsibility that will most likely interfere with your lifestyle, the positivity to graciously endure the early mornings, late night, and weekend hours required.

Alex oversees the snow relocation Team. They have a blend of knowledge and novice that seems to work. Henry supports the Team at Ringneck where operations continue 24/7. Tanner is the facility emergency first responder. I offered to help him this morning, but he gratefully declined. Ben is always available if the doo gets too deep. Most importantly, our ever-reliable site managers, caring for their animals seven days a week under all circumstances without complaint, who share that dedication. 

Learning to handle adversity makes one resilient. Something will be lost if future generations are denied that opportunity.

Appreciate these occasional cheek burning, snow drifting, school closing, sun dog forming episodes while they last.

Jim