We are in the upswing from nearly 2 weeks of what I like to call “stupid cold” here in Minnesota. That means 116 hours of below zero (F) temps (not even close to a record, though). Some people put on extra extra layers and try to get outside to do fun stuff, but for the […]
Dancing in the Snow
It’s the dead of winter in Minnesota, and that means snow. Once again, we find ourselves hunkered down while a winter storm bears down on us, promising to leave behind anywhere from 5 to 12 inches of snow. There are locals who dread these events because snow simply represents extra cold and extra work. Then […]
Death of a Snow Bank
Here in Minnesota, we mark the turning from winter to spring by monitoring the death of the snow banks that surround us. When they are at their highest, we wonder if they will ever melt. It seems unlikely. But the days get longer, and sun gets warmer, and even the biggest ones eventually succumb. This […]
Snapshots from the Polar Vortex
The dreaded Polar Vortex (what we used to call a cold snap) has once again descended on Minnesota. It heralded its return on Thursday by dumping close to a foot of snow on much of the state (including the Twin Cities), and until it slithers out of here we are looking at below zero temps […]
Harbin Ice Festival
When winter lands with a vengeance, Americans moan and groan. In China, it’s an excuse for a festival! Celebrating its 30th year, the Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival has pulled out all the stops. Here are some amazing photos (posted on Slate), as well as a video clip with some background information. More […]
