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“Perhaps H1N1 can’t survive Hoosier winter.”
With weeding, mowing, cattail pulling, raking, and harvesting done for the season, it seems that an eminent season of winter’s rest would be welcome. At Angelkeep, thanking God for winter-like conditions seems to have fallen on dear Gwen’s shoulders. My own shoulders are laden with flannel blankets, and frosty mist from my mouth is physical evidence of “Bahs” and “Humbugs” reminiscent of the Ebenezer of Charles Dickens’s fame. But winter, she shall come. Can I put a Hoosier positive spin upon it?
“Perhaps…it’s so…white.”
With outdoor chores reduced to bird and deer feeding, time is an opportunity for more reading. Indiana authors are a favorite. One Hoosier (I forgot the author’s name) wrote: “If you don’t like the weather—just wait a minute!” It’s not my line, but I’ve used it periodically for decades. It may have originated with the surprise beginning of winter in 1836. In Jasper County, Indiana, of that year, the temperature reached 116 degrees in the shade on July 15th. Before July ended, on the 29th, they had a frost.
“Perhaps Global Warming will hit Wells County with a vengeance.”
Angelkeep could be described as a beautiful Victorian wonderland of sparkling snow, smooth pond ice bearing fur-clad families of skaters, and trees bearing icicles pure enough to provide nature’s Popsicle treats. Readers would know that to be a preposterous fictionalization of drab gray-brown mud and dead weeds that dominate the Angelkeep landscape. Angelkeep Journals’ credibility would be lost forever.
That reminds me of a speech statement by Indiana Governor Samuel Bigger (in office 1840-43) who stated: “The Methodist Church does not need an educated clergy: an ignorant one is better suited to its membership.” Bigger promptly lost his bid to repeat as Governor. Methodists were smarter than Bigger thought.
As a member and assisting custodian of the Craigville United Methodist church, years ago, winter demanded much shoveling (with an actual shovel). Walks, steps, and parking areas. Some of the winter loathing now experienced could be a derivative of childhood snow removal duty.
“If you don’t like snow—wait a minute—it’ll melt to slush.”
“Go West, young man.” Was first written by John Soule in the “Terre Haute Express” in 1851. Horace Greeley copied it (NY Tribune) later, giving credit to its Hoosier beginning. My own descendant recently moved here from that West (Phoenix). I encouraged it. I failed to remind him of winter in Indiana.
“Tracking critters around Angelpond is much easier with snow cover.”
True, winter is yet 11 days away. There is time to prepare. Gwen’s skills may be enticed to stitch wool socks to the legs of some button-flap long johns. They would make long winter nights pricklier but toastier.
“Perhaps Indiana winter is about inner warmth.”
Oven warmth produces cookies and casseroles. Blanket warmth encourages cuddling in front of the glow of a DVD screen. 150 watt bulbs, needed by late afternoon, radiate warmth to pages of those past Hoosier authored books.
“Perhaps a good, old book will bring out the best of winter.”
“When I was a small boy on a farm, the year round was a good deal like being in jail, except that the prisoners who were in jail were not required to work fourteen hours a day. The good old days were not so good, and the nights were much worse.” George Ade, 1928.
“Winter will soon be upon us in NE Indiana. Perhaps…then…spring will be just around the corner. Please…perhaps…pass the macaroons.”
by ALAN DAUGHERTY
Mr. Daugherty is a Wells County resident who, along with his wife Gwen, enjoy their back yard and have named it “Angelkeep.”
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