The place we live.

Posted by Kevin.......

There is a chance that when I walk to the store to get the Sunday newspaper, I may die.

Where we live, daily life continues undaunted regardless of the weather conditions.

With the temperature bottomed out at 15.7 degrees below zero Fahrenheit (and a wind chill of 30 below zero), I dressed warmly and said goodbye to Stace as I embarked on a journey of self fulfillment and determination.

Mostly, I wanted the Sunday coupons.

As I set out, I discovered that what was to be a major expedition to the grocer was infact a tranquil walk in the crisp and clean Minnesota air, and the surprising warmth of the early morning sun.

With a newspaper successful obtained, I began the 3/4 mile return walk home. With the wind now at my back, I was a little too warm. I removed my face cover and sunglasses.

I felt the cold air as it entered my nose, ran down my chest and into my lungs.

In some parts of the country, people can't leave there homes because of crime.

We have something special here in Minnesota. We do not fear the harshness of winter. We embrace it. We ice fish. We cross country ski. We snow mobile. And I'm sure this morning there were runners and walkers out and about, feeling cold air seeping in through any tiny gap in their expensive protective clothing.

This is the place we live.

http://travel.nytimes.com/2007/02/02/travel/escapes/02adventurer.html